The Board has remanded the case due to errors in obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected sleep apnea had aggravated his aortic disability. A new VA addendum opinion is needed.
The deciding factor: The decision was remanded because the Board did not obtain a medical opinion on whether the Veteran’s service-connected sleep apnea had aggravated his aortic disability, and it failed to consider all potentially favorable medical evidence submitted by the Veteran.
- Claimed conditions
- aortic disability, bicuspid aortic valve, aneurysm, deteriorating valve
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 1, 2020
- Citation
- 20030850
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 20030850.
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: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for bicuspid aortic valve and mitral valve prolapse, finding that the Veteran's heart disability was aggravated by military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and secondary service connection for aneurysm and hemorrhagic stroke with residuals to include as secondary to hypertension.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has dismissed the appeals for a compensable rating for hypertension and service connection for residuals of a stroke. The appeal for service connection for residuals of an aneurysm is remanded due to inadequate opinion in the previous VA contract examiner's report.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's heart disability, including coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and heart murmur. The claim will be further developed with a new VA examination.
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