The veteran's claims for an increased evaluation and earlier effective date are being remanded due to incomplete medical records.
The deciding factor: Incomplete medical records from the year prior to his December 2004 claim prevent a full review of the case.
- Claimed conditions
- fracture, right 4th metacarpal, post-traumatic degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 18, 2008
- Citation
- 0809071
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0809071.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right ankle disability, finding that his current diagnoses and reported symptoms are consistent with in-service injuries. The decision is based on credible lay evidence of chronic ankle problems since service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal due to insufficient examination and review of his medical records, particularly regarding the relationship between his Osgood-Schlatter disease and his current left knee disability. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle disability, including osteoarthritis and post-traumatic degenerative joint disease, is not related to service or any service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development of evidence, including obtaining missing service treatment records and VA/privately held medical records. The Veteran's right knee injury is presumed during combat service, but a VA examination is needed to determine if it caused his current conditions.
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