The Veteran's claim for service connection for arteriosclerosis obliterans and high blood pressure is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the January 2019 VA examination was inadequate as it did not substantially comply with the Board’s prior remand instructions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's circulatory problems.
- Claimed conditions
- arteriosclerosis obliterans, circulatory problems
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 31, 2020
- Citation
- 20008330
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 arteriosclerosis obliterans and thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger’s disease) due to lack of evidence showing a current disability, as well as the absence of in-service incurrence or aggravation. The Veteran's smoking history was considered but not found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's arteriosclerosis obliterans and PAD are related to his service-connected coronary artery disease, as they share similar risk factors. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.
- 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.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.