The Board has decided to remand the claims for hypertension, diabetes mellitus type I, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and erectile dysfunction due to a failure of the AOJ to obtain adequate medical opinions as to the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the failure of the AOJ to obtain an appropriate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during service resulted in a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error.
- Claimed conditions
- hypertension, diabetes mellitus type I, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, erectile dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 20, 2023
- Citation
- A23036686
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 A23036686.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show that he had been diagnosed and manifested to at least a 10 percent disability rating on or prior to May 8, 2001.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to conflicting opinions regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and skin disabilities related to herbicide exposure.
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