The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is remanded. The Board finds that an additional VA examination is needed to ascertain the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancer, type II diabetes mellitus, and a heart disorder are remanded due to the need for further development regarding herbicide exposure and possible verification of in-service events. The Board also finds that VA examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current disorders.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for vertigo is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine its relationship to his military service.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and low back disorder are remanded due to the need for VA examinations to determine their nature and etiology.
The deciding factor: Additional development is necessary prior to appellate review, including additional VA examinations and further development regarding herbicide exposure.,The Veteran reported that his hearing loss had worsened since his last examination. Therefore, an additional VA examination is needed to ascertain the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.,The Veteran has claimed service connection for skin cancer, type II diabetes mellitus, and a heart disorder due to herbicide exposure. However, it is unclear whether he was exposed within 12 nautical miles of Vietnam's shores during his service aboard USS Columbus. Therefore, further development is needed to determine this.,The Veteran has claimed service connection for skin cancer, type II diabetes mellitus, and a heart disorder due to herbicide exposure. However, it is unclear whether he was exposed within 12 nautical miles of Vietnam's shores during his service aboard USS Columbus. Therefore, further development is needed to determine this.,The Veteran has claimed service connection for vertigo and low back disorder. The Board finds that VA examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of these disorders.,The Veteran has claimed service connection for a left knee disorder and low back disorder. The Board finds that VA examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of these disorders.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, adjustment disorder with anxiety and major depressive disorder), skin cancer, type II diabetes mellitus, heart disorder (also claimed as shortness of breath due to asbestos exposure and heart disease), vertigo, left knee disorder, low back disorder
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 31, 2020
- Citation
- 20057203
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 20057203.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- 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.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.