The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for ulnar and median nerve neuropathy in both upper extremities due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, including VA treatment records and lay statements. The AOJ is instructed to obtain an addendum opinion from a medical professional regarding whether the Veteran's condition is related to his military service, particularly herbicide exposure.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was new and material evidence submitted by the Veteran, which necessitated reopening of the claims for service connection. The next step is to obtain a medical opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's upper extremity neuropathy, specifically whether it is related to his military service, including herbicide exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- ulnar nerve neuropathy, median nerve neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 11, 2023
- Citation
- 23022029
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 23022029.
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 remands the claim for service connection for median nerve neuropathy, also referred to as peripheral neuropathy, due to an inadequate VA examination and opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of right-hand disability, including muscular injury, ulnar nerve neuropathy, and arthritis. The case is remanded to determine whether these conditions are related to his in-service motorcycle accident.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to an issue of entitlement to service connection for diabetes, which is inextricably intertwined with the claim for median nerve/peripheral neuropathy. The decision will be reconsidered after the diabetes issue is resolved.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claim for a lumbar spine disorder is granted. The Board also remanded several other claims, including those for increased ratings and service connection.
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