Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to determine the etiology of her diagnosed Chiari I Malformation, including whether it is congenital or acquired and if so, whether it was caused by an in-service motor vehicle accident. The Veteran also needs a new rating assigned based on this determination.

The deciding factor: The January 2009 VA examination report did not provide sufficient rationale for its opinion regarding the etiology of the Chiari I Malformation and failed to distinguish between congenital diseases and acquired conditions as required by VA law.

Claimed conditions: Chiari I Malformation
How they argued it: Not specified
Exposure basis: None
Rating: Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date: June 24, 2015
Citation: 1526744

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 1526744.

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 case due to the need for a comprehensive VA medical opinion regarding whether the appellant has a disorder that is a form or manifestation of spina bifida, other than spina bifida occulta. The examiner must review all relevant medical records and MRI study images.

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