The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a neck disability due to new and material evidence. The issue of increased rating for residuals of left parotidectomy is remanded as there are no compensable ratings available under current VA regulations. Other issues such as left shoulder disability, tonsillar cancer, diabetes mellitus, and cardiomyopathy are also remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claim for service connection of a neck disability was reopened due to the submission of new evidence since the last final denial. However, there is no compensable rating available under current VA regulations for the residuals of left parotidectomy as the scar does not meet the criteria for a characteristic of disfigurement or instability.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"neck disability"}, {"condition_name":"left shoulder disability"}, {"condition_name":"tonsillar cancer"}, {"condition_name":"diabetes mellitus"}, {"condition_name":"cardiomyopathy"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 20, 2019
- Citation
- 19195583
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 19195583.
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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