The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for circulation problems in the legs, service connection for strokes, and DIC for the cause of the Veteran's death. The remand is due to inadequate reasoning in the previous decision regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or aggravated his obesity.
The deciding factor: The October 2013 VA medical opinion did not adequately address whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or aggravated his obesity, and if so, whether it was a substantial factor in causing or aggravating his circulation problems in the legs, strokes, and/or causes of death listed on his death certificate.
- Claimed conditions
- circulation problems in the legs, strokes, cerebrovascular disease, atherosclerotic vascular disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 14, 2021
- Citation
- 21063487
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 21063487.
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: Denied
The Veteran's CAD, hypertension, prostate condition, and strokes were not shown to be related to service or any incident therein.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), secondary to the Veteran's strokes, was also denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for cause of death and DIC benefits due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The AOJ is instructed to develop the Veteran's potential exposures in service, including exposure to asbestos, jet fuel, herbicide agents, and possible radiation-risk activities. Medical opinions are needed regarding the relationship between the Veteran's conditions and his active service or service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and further development is needed, including obtaining an addendum VA opinion.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error, and will need to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cause of death.
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