The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for polymyalgia rheumatica and idiopathic cardiomyopathy are remanded due to new evidence submitted after a previous denial. The RO is instructed to verify the timeframe of the Veteran's service at El Toro, request additional information regarding alleged contamination, and conduct further development related to herbicide exposure outside Vietnam.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the previously denied claims were reopened due to new medical evidence linking the conditions to service, specifically to potential exposure to herbicides during service at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro.
- Claimed conditions
- polymyalgia rheumatica, idiopathic cardiomyopathy
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 11, 2018
- Citation
- 18133382
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 18133382.
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: Denied
The Board denied service connection for polymyalgia rheumatica and remanded the issue of rating a disability in excess of 30 percent for coronary artery disease.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, bilateral osteopenia, and polymyalgia rheumatica due to inadequate VA examination reports.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for various conditions has been withdrawn by the Veteran.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for polymyalgia rheumatica as the evidence did not support a finding that the condition was incurred in or aggravated by active service.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.