The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck disability, back disability, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, left foot disability, right foot disability, skin disability (rash on lower extremities), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. However, further development is needed as VA examinations are required to determine the nature and etiology of these disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Board has reopened the claims based on new evidence submitted since the last final denial in August 2008. Further examination is necessary to establish a clear connection between service and any current disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- neck disability, back disability, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, left foot disability, right foot disability, skin disability (rash on lower extremities), bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 6, 2018
- Citation
- 18147720
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 18147720.
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's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has expanded the scope of the claim to include any mental health disorder raised by the record and has remanded for additional development regarding service connection for left leg, ankle, and psychiatric disabilities.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
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