The Board has remanded the case for an addendum VA opinion to address whether the Veteran had a bilateral lower extremity disability, excluding rheumatoid arthritis, that clearly and unmistakably pre-existed service and was not aggravated by service. The examiner is also asked to determine if each current disability had its onset during service or is otherwise related to service.
The deciding factor: The Board found insufficient evidence to resolve the Veteran's claim regarding his bilateral lower extremity disabilities and remanded for an addendum VA opinion to address whether the Veteran had a pre-existing disability that was not aggravated by service.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral lower extremities disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 15, 2021
- Citation
- 21068896
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 21068896.
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 lung disability is denied as there was no evidence of a chronic condition in service or otherwise shown to be associated with his active service, including asbestos exposure.,The Veteran's residuals of TBI are denied as the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that he has current residuals from an in-service motorcycle accident.,The Veteran's back disability is denied as there was no evidence of a chronic condition in service or otherwise shown to be related to his active service.,The Veteran's right upper extremity, neck, and bilateral lower extremities disabilities are denied as the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that they began during active service or were otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of her lay statements regarding her symptoms.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded both issues for further development and consideration, including the submission of additional evidence since the last decision. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection is also addressed.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee disorder, back disorder, right knee disorder, and bilateral lower extremities disability. The decision is based on a finding that these conditions are not related to active military service.
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.