The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's dermatomyositis, including whether it is related to service or specifically to receiving the anthrax vaccine.
The deciding factor: The examiner was unable to provide a definitive opinion without resorting to speculation due to limitations in medical knowledge.
- Claimed conditions
- dermatomyositis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 20, 2021
- Citation
- 21030964
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 21030964.
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.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for dermatomyositis and diabetes mellitus due to insufficient evidence in the record. The case will be reviewed with a new examination that considers both the Veteran's service records and his exposure during military service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for connective tissue disease and dermatomyositis due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of these conditions. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional opinions from qualified clinicians to address whether the Veteran's conditions are related to her in-service exposure, including any potential synergistic effects of multiple exposures.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of dermatomyositis, PTSD, anxiety disorder, and sleep apnea due to a full grant of benefits effective May 13, 2019.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for dermatomyositis, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.