The Veteran's claims for service connection for eczema/rash/hives with itchy scalp and esophagus problems have been reopened. The Board has remanded the cases to obtain additional medical opinions regarding whether these conditions are related to in-service herbicide exposure or service-connected dermatomyositis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claims were previously denied due to lack of evidence demonstrating a nexus to service, but new and material evidence has been submitted raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims.
- Claimed conditions
- eczema/rash/hives with itchy scalp, esophagus problems
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 29, 2020
- Citation
- 20036920
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 20036920.
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.
- Partly granted
The Veteran is seeking to reopen his claims for service connection for tinea cruris and numbness and weakness of the left lower extremity. The evidence received since the February 1997 rating decision relates to these conditions.,The Veteran seeks to reopen his claim for service connection for esophagus problems, which he previously claimed as breathing problems. He also seeks to reopen his claims for urinary problems and enlarged liver. The evidence supports reopening of these claims.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The appeal is granted as his PTSD is now considered service-connected.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left leg disability is reopened, and the appeal is granted.
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