The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for a heart disability, including ischemic heart disease and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, related to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's claim is also remanded for an examination to determine his current lumbar spine condition.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the record was unclear about whether the Veteran has been diagnosed with ischemic heart disease, including coronary artery disease (CAD), and thus a VA examination is needed to clarify this issue. The exposure basis is also noted as burn pit due to the Veteran's service in Thailand during the Vietnam Era.
- Claimed conditions
- Ischemic heart disease, Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 17, 2020
- Citation
- 20073525
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 Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the R(1) rate due to his need for regular aid and attendance.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings of ischemic heart disease and diabetes, and these claims are dismissed.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an earlier effective date of January 8, 2015, for the award of service connection for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and a 30 percent rating from January 8, 2015, to December 31, 2016.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension from August 10, 2022, under the PACT Act. The claim for a thyroid disability was denied.
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.