The Board has ordered the case to be remanded due to improper reliance on previous VA medical opinions and inadequate rationale. The Veteran's left foot conditions are being examined again to determine their relationship to service, including his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The decision is based on the need for a new examination to address the relationship between the Veteran’s current foot conditions and his active military service, including his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- left foot hallux valgus, left foot plantar fasciitis, left foot osteoarthritis
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 18, 2020
- Citation
- 20034379
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 20034379.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% and cannot be increased.,SMC at the housebound rate is granted from January 11, 2021 due to multiple service-connected disabilities.,A TDIU rating effective October 28, 2011 is granted based on inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to migraine headaches.,Eligibility for DEA benefits is granted but no earlier than the date of claim (April 5, 1999).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the claims for increased rating and service connection must be remanded due to inadequate examinations and duty-to-assist errors.
- 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 decided to remand the case due to a lack of medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's left foot plantar fasciitis and his service. The Veteran is asked to undergo a VA examination to determine if there is any link between his current condition and his military service.
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