The Veteran's claims for astigmatism, left shin splint, right shin splint, recurrent right hamstring strain, umbilical keloid scar, and hidradenitis suppurativa have all been denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection in each case.,Service connection was denied because the Veteran's astigmatism is a congenital defect, not an injury or disease incurred during service. Her left shin splint, right shin splint, and recurrent right hamstring strain were not shown to be related to service. The umbilical keloid scar preexisted service and did not worsen during service. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a post-service condition unrelated to service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's astigmatism was found to be a congenital defect, not an injury or disease incurred during service. The Board concluded that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection in this case.
- Claimed conditions
- astigmatism, left shin splint, right shin splint, recurrent right hamstring strain, umbilical keloid scar, hidradenitis suppurativa
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 29, 2023
- Citation
- 23019623
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 23019623.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all the listed conditions in April 2024 and March 2025, thus dismissing the appeal.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and other disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, leading to a grant of TDIU. Additionally, the Veteran is entitled to SMC based on housebound criteria.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's hidradenitis suppurativa is rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.,The Veteran's tension headaches do not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating as there are no characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for left leg scar, right leg scar, and scars on right arm due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's claims for astigmatism, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and other scars are not granted.
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