The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected gouty arthritis of the right great toe, left foot, and right knee is remanded due to new evidence not previously considered.
The deciding factor: New VA examination and treatment records were received after the most recent SSOC was issued, which should be reviewed by the AOJ.
- Claimed conditions
- gouty arthritis of the right great toe, gouty arthritis of the left foot, gouty arthritis of the right knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 6, 2018
- Citation
- 18132202
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 18132202.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings for gouty arthritis of the left foot and right foot.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for gouty arthritis of the right great toe and left ankle, as well as initial compensation for kidney stones, have been dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to proceed with these matters.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his inability to perform daily activities such as feeding, dressing, bathing, and attending to personal hygiene needs. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's ratings for right knee limited extension and instability were reduced, but the Board found that these reductions were not supported by adequate evidence. The Veteran is entitled to restoration of his original ratings.
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