The Veteran's SLE and Raynaud’s Syndrome are being remanded for further evaluation due to overlapping symptomatology, resulting in potential pyramiding.
The deciding factor: The symptoms of the Veteran's service-connected Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Raynaud’s Syndrome overlap, potentially leading to compensating ratings that violate 38 C.F.R. § 4.14.
- Claimed conditions
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Raynaud’s Syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 31, 2019
- Citation
- 19182174
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
Service connection was established for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and its associated symptoms, including chronic fatigue, depression, Raynaud's disease, irritable bowels, respiratory distress, and high grade fevers. ,The Veteran's service records showed no evidence of SLE during active duty, but the Veteran presented credible medical evidence linking his current conditions to his in-service exposure.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU is dismissed. A higher 100 percent schedular rating is granted for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), effective from March 6, 2014.
- Denied
The Veteran's cause of death was cardiopulmonary arrest due to pulmonary embolism, but the Board found that his service-connected Raynaud’s Syndrome did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.,Special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is remanded as no Statement of the Case has been issued.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional medical examinations are needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including joint pain, fibromyalgia, cubital tunnel syndrome, and Raynaud’s syndrome. The claims for service connection on appeal will be remanded.
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