The Board has determined that the Veteran's conditions, including loss of use of diaphragm, residual scar on left torso, and sleep apnea, are related to his active duty service. However, due to lack of VA examinations and medical opinions assessing these conditions' etiology, the claims are being remanded for further evaluation.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there is insufficient evidence in the record regarding the current nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, specifically loss of use of diaphragm, residual scar on left torso, and sleep apnea. The Board also noted that VA medical treatment records are incomplete and ordered their acquisition.
- Claimed conditions
- loss of use of diaphragm, residual scar, left torso, sleep apnea
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 4, 2023
- Citation
- 23025946
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 23025946.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disease manifesting within one year after service and concluding that the current disability is not related to his in-service deviated septum.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea. The Veteran will be provided with a VA examination to determine if his current sleep disorder is related to his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the issue of service connection for sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions and need for further development.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claims for sleep apnea and an increased disability rating for diabetes mellitus, type II.
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