The Board has remanded the case for clarification of a VA examiner's opinion regarding the Veteran's respiratory disability. The matter is now back with the AOJ to obtain additional medical records and clarify the service connection claim.
The deciding factor: The Court found that the Board erred in failing to return the February 2017 addendum opinion for clarification, as it was inconsistent with its previous rationale regarding scarring or bronchiectasis. The matter is now back with the AOJ for further proceedings.
- Claimed conditions
- Ischemic heart disease (IHD), Chronic congestive heart failure, Coronary artery disease, Status post myocardial infarction, Coronary artery bypass grafting
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 23, 2020
- Citation
- 20042350
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 20042350.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 30 percent prior to July 18, 2014, and a higher than 60 percent rating thereafter for ischemic heart disease is being remanded due to incomplete evidence. The examiner needs to provide more detailed information about the severity of his service-connected condition.
- 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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since September 27, 2010. Additionally, he is in receipt of a 60 percent disability rating for coronary artery disease, which meets the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for HISA benefits is granted as the modification requested (a barrier free, roll-in shower) falls within the scope of HISA and addresses his medical need due to his service-connected coronary artery disease.
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