The veteran seeks service connection for herpes simplex virus encephalitis, which he contends is related to his Bell's palsy. The VA examiner could not conclusively rule in or out a diagnosis of herpes simplex virus encephalitis and stated that the medical literature did not provide data estimating the likelihood that a given episode of Bell's palsy is caused by a herpes virus.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner was unable to determine whether the veteran's herpes simplex virus encephalitis is related to service or his service-connected Bell's palsy.
- Claimed conditions
- herpes simplex virus encephalitis
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 17, 2008
- Citation
- 0823686
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 0823686.
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: Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for herpes simplex virus encephalitis, to include as secondary to Bell's palsy, is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's herpes simplex virus encephalitis.
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