The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, metastatic right tongue base cancer with squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck, respiratory disorder, sinus disability, loss of taste, paralyzed vocal chords/throat stricture, tooth loss, and dry mouth due to inadequate VA medical opinions.,The claims are also remanded for a new opinion regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the existing VA medical opinions were not adequate as they did not address the relevant audiometric findings, threshold shifts in service, or the Veteran's exposure to toxic exposures. The claims are therefore remanded for new opinions.,The Board also noted that the claims of secondary service connection for these conditions are dependent on the primary service connection claim and are thus remanded pending adjudication.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, metastatic right tongue base cancer with squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck, respiratory disorder, sinus disability, loss of taste, paralyzed vocal chords/throat stricture, tooth loss, dry mouth
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 9, 2023
- Citation
- A23031631
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 A23031631.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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