The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's MRSA infection and its residuals. The VA must obtain updated treatment records, conduct a new VA examination, and provide an adequate medical opinion addressing all relevant issues.
The deciding factor: The decision is based on the need for an adequate medical opinion that addresses the Veteran's contentions regarding the delay in diagnosing MRSA and the adequacy of the medication dosage provided.
- Claimed conditions
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20069950
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 appeals for service connection for MRSA and dental trauma were dismissed because the Veteran did not respond to a Board letter seeking clarification within 60 days.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.