The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information in the November 2020 VA examination regarding all past and present foot disorders diagnosed, including osteoarthritis, gout, and DJD. The examiner is asked to provide opinions on whether each condition clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service, if so, whether it was clearly and unmistakably NOT aggravated by service beyond the normal progression of the disease, and if not, whether it is at least as likely as not related to military service.
The deciding factor: The November 2020 VA examination did not provide sufficient information to judge the probative value of the opinion regarding all past and present foot disorders diagnosed since service.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral pes planus, osteoarthritis, gout, degenerative joint disease (DJD)
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 1, 2021
- Citation
- 21011295
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 21011295.
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 Veteran's gout claim for additional development, including obtaining an adequate VA examination and ensuring all relevant records are obtained. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that the Veteran meets the basic medical eligibility criteria for PCAFC benefits due to his need for personal care services based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury. However, further clinical evaluation is needed to determine if participation in the program is in the Veteran's best interest.
- Denied
The Board denied the Appellant's requests for earlier effective dates for his service connection for bilateral pes planus and gynecomastia scar residuals, finding that the earliest possible effective dates are the dates of receipt of the claims.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for gout and bilateral foot conditions due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's representative requested an informal conference, but it did not take place before the April 2021 rating decision was issued.
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