{"page":"https://casescribe.ai/explorer/conditions/gout","generated_at":"2026-10-03T18:29:10.087Z","data_as_of":{"decisions":944125,"first_year":2017,"last_year":2026,"latest_decision":"2026-04-30","cfr":"2026-10-01","m21":"2026-09-29"},"about":{"publisher":"CaseScribe AI (VA Law Explorer)","source":"Public Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions (appeals of VA decisions, not VA's first decisions), M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual, 38 CFR Parts 3 and 4.","method":"Outcomes are issue-level: each condition the Board decided in a decision counts once. Decision data is extracted by AI and can contain errors. Rates describe past appeals and do not predict any claim.","disclaimer":"For research only. CaseScribe AI is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Verify figures against the source decisions and regulations.","attribution":"Cite as: VA Law Explorer, CaseScribe AI, with the page URL."},"data":{"condition":"Gout","all_conditions_granted_pct":19.4,"decisions":2985,"years":"2017-2026","granted_pct":12.3,"denied_pct":31.4,"remanded_pct":55.6,"granted_on_merits_pct":28.2,"by_year":[{"year":2017,"issues":211,"granted_pct":10,"denied_pct":30.3,"remanded_pct":52.6},{"year":2018,"issues":345,"granted_pct":9.9,"denied_pct":35.7,"remanded_pct":50.4},{"year":2019,"issues":400,"granted_pct":9.5,"denied_pct":36.3,"remanded_pct":52.8},{"year":2020,"issues":409,"granted_pct":9,"denied_pct":37.7,"remanded_pct":51.3},{"year":2021,"issues":395,"granted_pct":11.4,"denied_pct":35.9,"remanded_pct":51.1},{"year":2022,"issues":390,"granted_pct":9.2,"denied_pct":23.3,"remanded_pct":66.2},{"year":2023,"issues":463,"granted_pct":15.3,"denied_pct":30,"remanded_pct":53.1},{"year":2024,"issues":406,"granted_pct":15.3,"denied_pct":26.8,"remanded_pct":55.9},{"year":2025,"issues":364,"granted_pct":22.5,"denied_pct":28.6,"remanded_pct":48.1},{"year":2026,"issues":194,"granted_pct":20.1,"denied_pct":24.2,"remanded_pct":50.5}],"benefit_of_doubt_in_grants_pct":67.7,"evidence_on_merits":[{"evidence":"va_exam_favorable","decisions_with":356,"granted_pct_with":51.8,"granted_pct_without":23.4},{"evidence":"va_exam_unfavorable","decisions_with":2108,"granted_pct_with":26.9,"granted_pct_without":33},{"evidence":"nexus_positive","decisions_with":441,"granted_pct_with":54.4,"granted_pct_without":22.3},{"evidence":"nexus_negative","decisions_with":1524,"granted_pct_with":25.1,"granted_pct_without":32.4},{"evidence":"private_opinion","decisions_with":871,"granted_pct_with":37.9,"granted_pct_without":23.2},{"evidence":"treating_physician","decisions_with":140,"granted_pct_with":53.2,"granted_pct_without":26.6},{"evidence":"lay_statement","decisions_with":2380,"granted_pct_with":26.8,"granted_pct_without":35.8},{"evidence":"buddy_statement","decisions_with":81,"granted_pct_with":42.4,"granted_pct_without":27.9},{"evidence":"combat_service","decisions_with":153,"granted_pct_with":31,"granted_pct_without":28.1}],"top_reasons":{"granted":[{"reason":"current diagnosis established","decisions":50},{"reason":"continuity of symptomatology since service","decisions":21},{"reason":"caused by the service-connected disability","decisions":20},{"reason":"service connection established","decisions":8},{"reason":"aggravated by the service-connected disability","decisions":4},{"reason":"new and material evidence submitted","decisions":3}],"denied":[{"reason":"no in-service complaints, treatment or diagnosis","decisions":134},{"reason":"service records negative or silent","decisions":107},{"reason":"preponderance of the evidence against the claim","decisions":100},{"reason":"va examiner: less likely than not related to service","decisions":85},{"reason":"no current diagnosis","decisions":69},{"reason":"no continuity of symptomatology","decisions":39}]},"recent_examples":{"granted":[{"case_id":"A26040962","year":2026,"judge":"G.J. SUH","rationale":"In-service onset of gout documented.; VA examiner provided positive nexus opinion.; Gout may affect multiple joints, supporting service connection for right foot."},{"case_id":"A26037796","year":2026,"judge":"TIMOTHY COTHREL","rationale":"Confirmed diagnosis of gout in service; Reasonably related to in-service diagnosis; Competent and credible testimony of in-service onset"},{"case_id":"A26035599","year":2026,"judge":"A. ISHIZAWAR","rationale":"Proposed reduction notice was insufficient; AOJ failed to comply with 38 C.F.R. § 3.105(e); Erroneous reduction vacated, prior rating restored"}],"denied":[{"case_id":"A26040887","year":2026,"judge":"M. MILLS","rationale":"No current diagnosis of gout; No complaints or treatment for gout during service; VA examiner opined less likely related to toxic exposure"},{"case_id":"A26039428","year":2026,"judge":"G. A. WASIK","rationale":"No evidence of gout during service; Earliest diagnosis over 10 years post-service; In-service toe injury inconsistent with gout onset"},{"case_id":"A26038170","year":2026,"judge":"RAY BARTO SLABBEKORN, JR.","rationale":"Gout diagnosed in bilateral great toes.; Current rating under DC 5017.; Evidence persuasively weighs against rating higher than 10%."}]},"how_va_rates":null,"rules":[]}}