The Board is remanding the case due to non-compliance with previous remand directives and a need for additional medical opinions on the cause of death.
The deciding factor: Previous medical opinions were inadequate, requiring further evaluation by an independent expert.
- Claimed conditions
- adult respiratory distress syndrome, severe aspiration pneumonia, recurrent severe hydrocephalus, coccidiomycotic meningitis
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 4, 2023
- Citation
- 23020681
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 23020681.
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: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected fibromyalgia was found to be a substantial contributing factor to her cause of death, which included aspiration pneumonia and respiratory distress syndrome. The Board granted the claim for service connection based on direct service connection.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there was an error in the AOJ's handling of the Agent Orange exposure claim and has ordered a remand to obtain further information regarding the Veteran's service in Vietnam. The cause of death is being considered for potential service connection based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete development and the need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's cause of death. The appellant contends that the Veteran died from esophageal cancer caused by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune or Agent Orange in Vietnam.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 were not met.
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