The Board has remanded the claims for higher ratings for bilateral hammer toes and right foot hallux valgus, left lower extremity shin area varicosities, and left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to incomplete information in the examination reports. Additional development is needed to clarify the source of the Veteran's foot swelling and its impact on his ability to ambulate, as well as the frequency and severity of flare-ups of his varicose veins.
The deciding factor: The Board found that additional clarification was needed regarding the source of the Veteran's foot swelling and its impact on his ability to ambulate, as well as the frequency and severity of flare-ups of his varicose veins. The examiner is asked to provide this information in an addendum to the examination reports.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hammer toes, right foot hallux valgus, left lower extremity shin area varicosities, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (previously left ankle disability), left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20029862
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 20029862.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal. The Board cannot issue a decision on the merits as they have no jurisdiction.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding the Veteran's exposure to mercury in dental amalgams and asbestos during service. A VA medical opinion is needed to determine if these exposures are related to his claimed disabilities.
- Dismissed
The appeal concerning earlier effective dates for service connection and disability ratings has been dismissed.,No new evidence or arguments were provided to support the claims.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to errors in considering all conditions and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current right great toe / foot disability and his claimed frostbite injury.
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