The Board has granted service connection for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) based on the Veteran's credible statements of in-service exposure to burn pits and her competent medical evidence linking SLE to her military service.
The deciding factor: A VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is at least as likely as not related to service, including environmental exposures during service.
- Claimed conditions
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 28, 2023
- Citation
- 23067959
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 23067959.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there are duty to assist errors in the prior November 2018 rating decision and remands the claims for further development. The issues of service connection for SLE, IBS, GERD, and headaches remain unresolved due to insufficient evidence.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial higher rating for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). As a result, the claim is dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and total disability rating due to unemployability (TDIU), as well as the issue of a higher rating for SLE, due to inadequate duty to assist and lack of adequate statement of reasons and bases.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for chronic allergic rhinitis and remanded the claims for autoimmune associated interstitial lung disease (lung disease) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
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