The Veteran's appeal involves three issues: service connection for a respiratory disorder, early menopause due to radiation exposure, and a pilonidal cystectomy scar on the buttocks. The Board has determined that further development is needed in all three cases.,Specifically, the VA needs to provide an examination or obtain additional medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's current conditions are related to her military service.
The deciding factor: The claims file lacks pertinent etiological opinions for each of the issues on appeal. The Veteran has not been provided with a comprehensive evaluation that addresses the nature and origin of her respiratory disorder, early menopause, and pilonidal cystectomy scar.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Left axilla scar from cyst removal","additional_notes":"Residual numbness, weakness of the left arm and hand"}, {"condition_name":"Pilonidal cystectomy scar on buttocks","additional_notes":"Recurrent pilonidal cysts requiring multiple surgeries, inability to sit for long periods, leakage"}
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 13, 2019
- Citation
- 19145723
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
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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.