The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and special monthly compensation based on need of regular aid and attendance are all remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran’s claim for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of the colon and intestines must be denied as a matter of law because it lacks legal merit, while other claims require further development with additional medical opinions.
- Claimed conditions
- colon cancer, degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, sciatica affecting the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 15, 2019
- Citation
- 19128998
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection of colon cancer, claimed as due to exposure to asbestos, for an addendum opinion considering additional evidence.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for colon cancer as the evidence did not support a link between the Veteran's current condition and their in-service toxic exposure risk activity.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the service connection claim for colon cancer to obtain a medical opinion on its etiology, particularly regarding exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the claims.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.