The Veteran's service-connected epidermolysis bullosa has worsened, and a new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of his condition.
The deciding factor: The Veteran reported an increase in pain related to the epidermolysis bullosa and stated that the skin of his feet tears when walking, indicating worsening symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- epidermolysis bullosa
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 19, 2020
- Citation
- 20020336
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 20020336.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for epidermolysis bullosa, PTSD, and a sleep disorder are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations. The Board will consider whether her conditions were aggravated by in-service events.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting epidermolysis bullosa of both feet did not permanently increase in severity beyond its natural progression during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.
- Granted
The Veteran's epidermolysis bullosa is productive of monthly painful blisters on the heels of her feet, which are analogous to scars that are unstable or painful. The criteria for a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7815 have been met.
- Granted
The Veteran's skin disorder of the feet was originally granted a 10% rating in September 1963, and increased to 30% in March 1977. The July 2006 decision granted a 60% disability rating which was later reduced to 30%. The Veteran's skin disorder is currently rated as 30% disabling.
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