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Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)

The Veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional disability from various abdominal surgeries and procedures. The claim was remanded due to the need for an independent medical opinion, as substantial compliance with the January 2020 remand has not been achieved.

The deciding factor: The Board found that substantial compliance with the January 2020 remand instructions had not been met and thus the case is being remanded for a new independent medical opinion under 38 U.S.C. § 5109.

Claimed conditions
abdominal deformity, psychological problems
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
January 19, 2021
Citation
21003114

This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 21003114.

What this means for you

A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.

What you can do next

Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).

Related decisions

Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.

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