The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches has been reopened, and the Board finds that new and material evidence has been received. The claims of increased ratings for chronic pansinusitis, cervical spine disability, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal stricture, and right hand carpal tunnel syndrome are remanded due to a lack of recent VA examinations. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claims.
The deciding factor: The Board finds that new evidence has been received sufficient to reopen the Veteran's previously denied service connection claim for headaches, but further development is needed due to a lack of recent VA examinations addressing the current severity and manifestations of his service-connected disabilities. The issues are inextricably intertwined as they could significantly impact a decision on the issue of TDIU.
- Claimed conditions
- headaches, chronic pansinusitis, cervical spine disability, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal stricture, right hand carpal tunnel syndrome
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 26, 2019
- Citation
- 19188718
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 19188718.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for headaches and increased ratings for left shoulder rotator cuff tear, right shoulder rotator cuff tear, hypertension, and left and right leg restless leg syndrome. The Board denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 20 percent disability rating for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy from April 3, 2023 onward, but denied higher ratings prior to that date. Service connection was also granted for alcohol use disorder as secondary to PTSD with traumatic brain injury.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an increased initial disability evaluation of headaches due to an inadequate VA examination.
- Denied
The Board denied an evaluation greater than 20 percent for right hand carpal tunnel syndrome, as the evidence did not show severe incomplete paralysis of the median nerve.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.