The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions, including increased ratings for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, TBI, and peripheral neuropathy. The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed due to the possibility of worsening symptoms since the last VA examination.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was insufficient evidence regarding the current severity and manifestations of the Veteran's service-connected conditions, particularly in light of his assertions of increased disability and new medical opinions submitted by private physicians. The Board also noted that additional examinations were needed to address the Veteran’s claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar paravertebral myositis, cervical strain, obstructive sleep apnea, aneurism of the aorta (claimed as aortica), left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left hand carpal tunnel syndrome, right hand carpal tunnel syndrome
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 10, 2019
- Citation
- 19102520
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issue of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to a duty to assist error.
- Partly granted
The Board granted higher ratings for the Veteran's service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome of both upper extremities, but remanded claims for service connection for sinusitis, calcified lymph nodes on the lungs, and cervical strain.
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