The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for costochondritis is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination. His claim for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also remanded as it has been reasonably raised by his testimony and treatment records.
The deciding factor: The decision was remanded because the Veteran's condition may have worsened over time, necessitating a new medical examination to assess its current severity. The issue of TDIU is considered inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim for costochondritis.
- Claimed conditions
- Costochondritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 13, 2020
- Citation
- 20066169
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and earlier effective dates.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance (SMC-AA) was granted, while the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), chest pains, to include costochondritis, and an increased rating for asthma were remanded.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 60 percent for asthma and chronic bronchitis, granted service connection for costochondritis secondary to the service-connected conditions, and denied special monthly compensation based on housebound status or aid and attendance.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to January 11, 2024, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter. The claims for a compensable rating for costochondritis, service connection for a right shoulder disability, and obstructive sleep apnea were remanded.
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