Denied
The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea and gout affecting the bilateral ankles, elbows, and right hand as there was no evidence of these conditions in or since service, and they were not shown to be related to any disease, injury, or incident during service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found that the Veteran's sleep apnea and gout were less likely than not caused by his military service, including any toxic exposure risk activities (TERAs), due to their known etiologies and the lack of evidence showing onset in or since service.
- Claimed conditions
- sleep apnea, gout affecting the bilateral ankles, elbows, and right hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 11, 2025
- Citation
- A25107093
Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.