The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for tension headaches is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for a new VA audiological examination and opinion.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disorder, left ankle disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, carpal tunnel syndrome of the hands, low back disorder, hypertension, varicose veins, pulmonary sarcoidosis, and left foot disorder are all remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for right hand carpal tunnel syndrome, right ankle disorder, right knee disorder, right foot disorder (pes planus), and right varicose veins are not addressed as they do not involve secondary service connection.
The deciding factor: The Veteran has reported worsening symptoms since her last VA examination, which is required for a new examination.,The Veteran's hearing loss may be related to in-service noise exposure but the current evidence does not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations. A new VA audiological examination and opinion are needed to determine if she meets the criteria for service connection.,The Veteran has provided conflicting statements regarding her left knee disorder, requiring clarification through a new VA examination. The claims for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, varicose veins, pulmonary sarcoidosis, and left foot disorder also require further evaluation by VA medical professionals to determine if they are related to service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's right hand carpal tunnel syndrome, right ankle disorder, right knee disorder, right foot disorder (pes planus), and right varicose veins claims do not involve secondary service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- Tension headaches, Bilateral hearing loss, Left knee disorder, Left ankle disorder, Diabetes mellitus type II, Carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand and right hand, Low back disorder, Hypertension, Varicose veins of the left leg and right leg, Pulmonary sarcoidosis, Left foot disorder (pes planus)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 14, 2018
- Citation
- 18150193
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 18150193.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that it did not manifest during service and is not causally related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicides or service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a low back disorder was reopened, and his claims for increased ratings of bilateral knee instability were granted. His hearing loss claim was denied.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active duty service or herbicide exposure.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and has remanded the issue of an increased rating for skin condition.
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