The previously denied claims for lower back, left ankle, right ankle, left knee, and right knee disorders are reopened. The claim for gastrointestinal disorder is also reopened. However, the claims for a left wrist disorder remain pending as they need further examination and opinion.
The deciding factor: The evidence submitted after the May 2008 rating decision includes VA treatment records, private medical records, and lay testimony indicating current symptoms of these conditions since service. The previous denial was based on lack of evidence of chronic disabilities at separation from service. New evidence has been provided that supports reopening of these claims.
- Claimed conditions
- lower back disorder, left ankle disorder, right ankle disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, left wrist disorder
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 5, 2021
- Citation
- 21006740
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 21006740.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left wrist disorders due to a duty to assist error in failing to provide notice of a hearing.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to errors in obtaining relevant medical records and authorization for private treatment providers. The issues include heart disorder, OSA, sinusitis, lumbar spine disorder, and right knee disorder all related to Agent Orange exposure.
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