The Veteran's service treatment records contain in-service biopsies of breast growths and she reported pain and scarring of the breasts due to her active service. She was granted service connection for bilateral scarring of the breasts, but no opinion on whether her current condition is related to service has been provided.,Service treatment records indicate the Veteran was treated for excessive vaginal bleeding and cervical polyps during service. A June 2011 VA examination noted a history of abnormal vaginal bleeding and diagnosed leiomyoma and suspected endometrial polyps, but did not provide an opinion on whether her condition is related to service.,The Veteran reported knee pain beginning in 1991 with subsequent worsening. A June 2011 VA examination identified bilateral chondromalacia patella and a left knee meniscal abnormality, but no opinion was provided regarding the etiology of these conditions.,The Veteran reported foot trouble related to bunions since 1991. September and October 2008 VA treatment records noted diagnoses of bilateral pes planus and acquired hallux valgus deformities, as well as complaints of chronic bunion pain. A June 2011 VA examination identified bilateral crepitation with clicks and snaps in the knees.,The Veteran reported ankle pain since service. September and October 2008 VA treatment records noted diagnoses of bilateral pes planus and acquired hallux valgus deformities, as well as complaints of chronic bunion pain.
The deciding factor: No medical opinion has been provided regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Bilateral breast condition","claimed_conditions":["Breast pain","Scarring of the breasts"]}, {"condition_name":"Vaginal and uterine condition","claimed_conditions":["Menorrhagia (heavy vaginal bleeding)","Genital herpes","Leiomyomata"]}, {"condition_name":"Bilateral knee condition","claimed_conditions":["Knee pain"]}, {"condition_name":"Bilateral foot condition","claimed_conditions":["Hallux valgus (bunions)","Pes planus (flat feet)"]}, {"condition_name":"Bilateral ankle condition","claimed_conditions":["Ankle pain"]}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 5, 2020
- Citation
- 20071644
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.
- 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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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.