The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for fibromyalgia, left knee strain, right knee strain, left ankle strain, and right ankle strain due to lack of adequate medical evidence in the record. The Veteran is required to undergo a new VA examination to determine if he meets the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia and whether his bilateral knee and ankle disabilities are related to service or service-connected conditions.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the existing medical evidence was insufficient to make a determination on the claims, particularly regarding the etiology of the Veteran's knee and ankle disabilities. The examination is needed to provide a more definitive opinion.
- Claimed conditions
- fibromyalgia, left knee strain, right knee strain, left ankle strain, right ankle strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 7, 2020
- Citation
- 20000573
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 scarring, right orchiopexy and remanded the claim of asbestos exposure residuals. Other claims for service connection were denied.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for left knee strain, right knee strain, right wrist strain, and TBI. The Veteran's PTSD rating was remanded for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal is remanded to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors, including the failure to obtain relevant treatment records and provide adequate VA examinations.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for asthma and remanded claims for insomnia and sleep apnea. Other conditions were denied.
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.