The Board has determined that the VA examiner's opinions regarding the Veteran's ulnar nerve deformity (Griffin Claw) of left upper extremity, RSDS of the left arm/hand, and loss of function of the left hand are inadequate. The claims for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 must be remanded to obtain additional medical opinions.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the VA examiner's opinions were insufficient due to lack of a clear explanation and specific addressing of whether a reasonable person would have proceeded with the surgery, as well as the medical consequences of proceeding versus not proceeding with the surgery.
- Claimed conditions
- ulnar nerve deformity (Griffin Claw) of left upper extremity, reflex-sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS) of the left arm/hand, loss of function of the left hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 15, 2020
- Citation
- 20003417
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.
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- Remanded (sent back)
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- Granted
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