The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to Agent Orange exposure, as well as his claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran is required to provide updated VA treatment records and a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of his neurological disabilities, including right carpal tunnel syndrome, possible left carpal tunnel syndrome, sensory disturbances of both feet, small fiber neuropathy, and peripheral neuropathy. He is also scheduled for an examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.
The deciding factor: The Board found that a VA medical opinion was necessary due to conflicting statements regarding the onset of symptoms and insufficient evidence linking the Veteran's neurological disabilities to his military service, including Agent Orange exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- neuropathy, left upper extremity, neuropathy, right upper extremity, neuropathy, left lower extremity, neuropathy, right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 9, 2020
- Citation
- 20024599
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20024599.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left upper extremity neuropathy and right ankle arthritis due to inadequate medical nexus opinions in the September 2024 decision.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The claims of service connection for neuropathy, left and right lower extremities are remanded.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including herniation and bulging disk L4 through S1, knee pain with osteoarthritis, an acquired psychiatric disorder, cubital tunnel syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neuropathy. However, the Board granted a 30 percent evaluation for chronic headaches.
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