The Board has remanded the claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, including chest wall discomfort and osteoarthritis of the left hand. The case is being remanded for an addendum medical opinion addressing the combined effects of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his occupational functioning.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence was insufficient to determine whether the Veteran could secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, including chest wall discomfort and osteoarthritis of the left hand. The case is being remanded for an addendum medical opinion addressing these issues.
- Claimed conditions
- chest wall discomfort, laceration to right lateral eyebrow, painful scare, right lateral eyebrow, osteoarthritis of the left hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 23, 2022
- Citation
- 22071355
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 22071355.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several claims due to the submission of additional evidence and a need for further development. The Veteran's service connection claims are being reconsidered.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the left hand, effective January 28, 2019. The earlier effective dates for arthritis of the left index finger and ring fingers were also granted.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right hand and left hand, finding that the Veteran's prolonged use of a cane due to his service-connected knees and right ankle disabilities caused or aggravated his bilateral hand osteoarthritis.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection for sleep apnea, osteoarthritis of the right hand, and osteoarthritis of the left hand have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.
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