The Board has determined that the VA examinations performed are insufficient to determine the present claims and additional evidentiary development is needed. The Veteran's sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), right wrist and/or forearm disability, and left wrist and/or forearm disability need further examination and opinion.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not adequately address the severity of the Veteran's service-connected sinusitis or provide a clear opinion on whether his obesity was caused by his service-connected disabilities. The Board also found that additional opinions are needed to determine if the Veteran's wrist and forearm disabilities were incurred in service.
- Claimed conditions
- sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), right wrist and/or forearm disability, left wrist and/or forearm disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 3, 2021
- Citation
- 21067159
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 21067159.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including right shoulder disability, abdominal hernia, GERD, bilateral ankle disabilities, and bilateral foot disabilities. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during the appellant's period of active duty.
- Granted
The Veteran's OSA is granted as service connected. The Veteran's infectious disease claim and stomach disability claim are remanded for further examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found a pre-decisional duty to assist error and has ordered the case back to the AOJ for proper notice regarding the Veteran's right to a hearing.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for sinusitis is being remanded due to a failure by the AOJ to provide proper notice of his right to a hearing.
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