The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to address all reasonably raised theories of entitlement. The Veteran must be provided with another VA examination to determine the probable etiology(ies) of his diagnosed cardiac disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the VA Heart Conditions examinations were inadequate and did not provide an adequate discussion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus aggravated his cardiac disorder, or if any diagnosed cardiac disability was related to in-service exposure to herbicides, aviation fuel, paint and solvents (including epoxy thinner and butanone / methyl ethyl ketone).
- Claimed conditions
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Cardiomyopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 5, 2020
- Citation
- 20038650
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 20038650.
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 Veteran's claim for service connection for heart condition was granted with an effective date of August 1, 2019. The decision is based on evidence showing exposure to diesel and gas fuel during service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart conditions may be related to his service-connected sleep apnea and/or generalized anxiety disorder, but further examination is needed to determine causation.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied a higher rating for CAD and remanded the claim of service connection for CHF due to a duty to assist error.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the evidence is in approximate balance regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorders led to his claimed congestive heart failure with automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator. The claim for secondary service connection is granted.
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