The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to the need for additional examinations, compliance with the representative's request for a copy of his file, and other procedural issues.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was insufficient evidence in the record regarding the current severity of the Veteran's rhinitis disability and that the VA examination conducted in July 2013 is outdated. Additionally, there were concerns about the representative not receiving a copy of the Veteran's file as requested.
- Claimed conditions
- Allergic rhinitis (claimed as allergies, due to ragweed, dust and outdoor areas), Herniated disc L5-S-1, Flat feet, Hallux valgus (claimed as bilateral foot injury with arthritis), Right knee strain (claimed as right knee arthritis), Residuals of left hip status post total hip replacement (claimed as left hip arthritis and degenerative joint disease of the lower extremity), Calluses on feet
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 30, 2019
- Citation
- 19158852
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 19158852.
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 has granted service connection for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) with agoraphobia with panic attacks as directly related to military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's limitations in performing activities of daily living are consistent with being unable to sustain himself in the community, warranting Tier 2 benefits under the PCAFC program.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for a lower back condition and a gastrointestinal condition, but denied an earlier effective date and higher rating for tinnitus. The claims for other conditions were either reopened or remanded.
- Partly granted
The Board readjudicated the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a respiratory disability, and a skin disability based on new and relevant evidence. The claims for an acquired psychiatric disability, sleep impairment, hypertension, impaired vision, residual disability from vasectomy, and a compensable rating for scars were denied.
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