The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine the current severity of the veteran's heart and hypertension disorders, as well as his scar, keloid, left hand condition. Additionally, a dermatology examination is needed to assess the nature and etiology of the veteran's skin disorder other than the scar on his left hand. The cervical spine and low back disability claims are also remanded for further development.
The deciding factor: The Board found that additional development was necessary due to the need to review the veteran's claims under the correct standard applicable to initial claims, including obtaining more specific information regarding the nature of the incidents reported by fellow service members and ensuring all relevant medical records were considered in evaluating the veteran's disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- hypertension, hypertensive heart disease, scar, keloid, left hand, cervical spine disorder, low back pain
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 30, 2004
- Citation
- 0408194
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 0408194.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of October 21, 2021, for the grant of service connection for hypertension.
- Partly granted
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- Dismissed
The appeal for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss, service connection for right ear hearing loss, and bilateral vision condition was dismissed. Service connection for hypertension, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease was denied.
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