The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for lupus, which is presumed due to exposure to Agent Orange. The case is remanded for a VA medical examination to determine if the appellant's current lupus is causally related to his active service or any incident therein, including presumed exposure to Agent Orange.
The deciding factor: The Court found new and material evidence in the form of internet articles discussing dioxin's effects on the immune system and its potential relationship to lupus. The Board directed a VA medical examination to clarify this etiology.
- Claimed conditions
- lupus
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 27, 2012
- Citation
- 1207143
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1207143.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for lupus and discoid lupus erythematosus due to potential exposure through a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) in service, including as a fire support specialist. The Veteran will be provided with an examination to determine if his conditions are related to service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for lupus, increased disability ratings for Tourette's syndrome, allergic rhinitis, hypertension, and a right upper extremity scar. The Veteran was not provided notice of his right to a hearing on these supplemental claims.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected lupus and related conditions render her in need of regular aid and attendance, leading to the grant of special monthly compensation based on this need.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including lupus and Sjogren's syndrome, were granted. The rating for Raynaud's disease was restored to a lower level, and the effective dates for TDIU and DEA were established.
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