The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in duty to assist and for clarification of the nature and etiology of the Veteran's Arnold Chiari malformation.
The deciding factor: The decision is based on the need to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors, including obtaining private treatment records and providing an adequate VA examination and medical opinion regarding the classification of the disability as a defect or disease process and its relationship to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Arnold Chiari malformation
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 7, 2023
- Citation
- A23031223
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 A23031223.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for additional development to address whether the Veteran's acquired neurological disorder, including Arnold Chiari malformation and syringomyelia, is related to his service. The muscle inflammation claim due to Persian Gulf service is also being remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's Chiari malformation and related conditions are remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding the diagnosis and etiology of her condition.,The Veteran's migraines, right foot condition, and other secondary service connection claims are also remanded for additional development.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's Arnold Chiari malformation is a congenital defect and not a compensable disability, thus denying service connection.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right shoulder disability and migraines/chronic headaches are remanded for additional development due to insufficient opinions on the etiology of her conditions.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.