The Board has decided to remand the claims for higher initial ratings for right hand and scars disabilities, as well as left foot strain. The Veteran's service-connected conditions have worsened since the last VA examinations, warranting further evaluation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran indicated that his disabilities had worsened since the last November 2014 VA examinations, and he also indicated that this disability had worsened since the March 2018 examination. The Board found that re-examination is necessary to determine if staged ratings are appropriate for each claim.
- Claimed conditions
- status-post fracture of 4th and 5th digit of the right hand, right hand scars status-post surgery, left foot strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 15, 2020
- Citation
- 20003435
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for back, neck, right and left foot strains, tension headaches, pharyngotonsillitis, and right shoulder strain as the evidence did not support a finding of a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions and examinations.
- Dismissed
The veteran's appeal for service connection for multiple conditions was dismissed due to a late filing.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of service connection for right foot neuropathy and ratings for left foot hallux valgus and left foot strain to correct a duty to assist error, specifically to obtain additional medical records and a clarifying opinion.
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