The Board has remanded four claims: service connection for an eye disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a skin condition, and a bladder condition. The Veteran's eye disorders are being examined further to determine if they are related to his diabetes mellitus. His GERD is also being reviewed to see if it is secondary to his diabetes. The skin conditions need an addendum opinion addressing whether they are related to his diabetes or not. Lastly, the Board will consider whether the Veteran’s bladder symptoms are service-connected.
The deciding factor: The claims require additional medical opinions to determine the etiology of the Veteran's eye disorders, GERD, skin conditions, and bladder condition.
- Claimed conditions
- Eye disorder, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Skin condition, Bladder condition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 4, 2018
- Citation
- 18131611
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 18131611.
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 Veteran's appeal for service connection for Dupuytren's contracture of the left hand, right hand, and GERD is remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and failure to consider toxic exposure risk activities during service.
- Denied
The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, but the Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), finding that both conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lower back condition and sinusitis, respectively.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for bladder cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
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