The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the feet is being remanded due to inconsistencies in his reported onset and conflicting medical opinions.
The deciding factor: There are inconsistencies in the Veteran's reports regarding when he first experienced foot pain, raising questions about the credibility of his statements. The VA examiner did not fully address whether the current arthritis was worsened by service or if it is a result of gouty arthritis.
- Claimed conditions
- osteoarthritis of the feet
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 20, 2010
- Citation
- 1035502
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 1035502.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an addendum medical opinion to address the nature and etiology of the claimed bilateral foot disability, including osteoarthritis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as his claim for increased ratings. The case will be returned to the Board after this development.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal of service connection claims has been withdrawn due to the appellant's decision.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the cervical spine, lumbar spine, hands, and feet. The radiculopathy of both lower extremities is also service connected as secondary to the service-connected osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine. Service connection was denied for rheumatoid arthritis and a respiratory disorder (COPD and asthma).
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