The Board has decided to remand the case due to missing records and the need for a VA examination. The Veteran claims he suffered additional disability as a result of gallbladder surgeries conducted at a VA hospital, but there are conflicting medical records regarding which procedure caused his current condition.
The deciding factor: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether either procedure caused the Veteran's current right flank pain and other conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- cholelithiasis, sphincterotomy, cholecystectomy, right flank pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 2, 2018
- Citation
- 18123692
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 18123692.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals were withdrawn, and his claims for increased ratings and service connection were dismissed. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis or other disabling conditions that would warrant higher ratings.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied service connection for urinary frequency, as secondary to hypertension and non-service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The other claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's GERD is rated at a 30 percent rating, but no higher. The claim for TDIU was raised and must be adjudicated again.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for cholecystectomy and stomach condition, resulting in the dismissal of these claims.
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