The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to resolve the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral pes planus, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and a left shoulder disability. The AOJ should obtain any outstanding medical records and provide an addendum opinion on each issue.
The deciding factor: The Board finds that additional supporting evidence is required in developing the Veteran’s claims for service connection due to conflicting opinions from VA examiners regarding the etiology of these conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Persistent foot pain since 2010, Left shoulder strain diagnosed in 2010, with tenderness and pain on palpation, Pain radiating from low back down legs, initially seen in service in 2011
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 5, 2019
- Citation
- 19183803
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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