The Veteran's claims for service connection for high blood pressure and right carpal tunnel syndrome are being remanded due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors.,Service connection has not been established for the claimed conditions as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service or within one year of separation from service.
The deciding factor: There was an error in providing adequate notice and assistance prior to the date VA received the RAMP election forms, which affected the claims for high blood pressure and right carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"left tennis elbow","diagnosis_date":null,"service_connection_status":"denied"}, {"condition_name":"right tennis elbow","diagnosis_date":null,"service_connection_status":"denied"}, {"condition_name":"left carpal tunnel syndrome","diagnosis_date":null,"service_connection_status":"denied"}, {"condition_name":"skin cancer","diagnosis_date":"2017-08-xx","service_connection_status":"denied"}, {"condition_name":"high blood pressure","diagnosis_date":null,"service_connection_status":"remanded"}, {"condition_name":"right carpal tunnel syndrome","diagnosis_date":null,"service_connection_status":"remanded"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 31, 2019
- Citation
- A19002404
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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