The Board has ordered a remand due to the inadequacy of the February 2013 VA medical opinion, which did not explain why the Veteran's age at the time of his examination was relevant or why the lack of 'ongoing chronic' treatment for frostbite indicated that the current diagnosis was unrelated to the in-service frostbite.
The deciding factor: The Board found the February 2013 VA medical opinion inadequate and ordered a remand to obtain a new opinion.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of frostbite, arthritis in the left hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 22, 2020
- Citation
- 20068522
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 appeal for service connection for a right hand disability, to include residuals of frostbite and tenosynovitis, is dismissed due to the appellant's death.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for residuals of frostbite based on the Veteran's credible testimony and a positive medical opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evidence and a need for further medical opinion regarding the Veteran's right foot condition, including residuals of frostbite, an ankle condition, and ingrown toenails.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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.