The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's chronic pain disorder is separate from his service-connected disabilities and if it is related to his Gulf War service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that a specialist is necessary to answer these questions about the relationship between the Veteran's symptoms and his service-connected conditions, as well as any potential connection to Gulf War service.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic pain disorder, myofascial pain syndrome
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 30, 2021
- Citation
- 21071569
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 21071569.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal regarding a rating for muscle atrophy due to thoracic outlet syndrome and related conditions has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is related to events in service and grants service connection for a back disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder with chronic pain disorder, as there is a need for an addendum medical opinion regarding the relationship between his service-connected left index finger disability and his claimed conditions.
- Granted
The appellant is granted SMC(o) and SMC(r)(1) based on his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, glaucoma, foot drop conditions, sleep apnea, migraines, overactive bladder, and various musculoskeletal issues. He does not qualify for higher rates due to the anatomical loss or use of extremities.
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