The Veteran's claim for high cholesterol is denied as it does not represent a disability for which service connection can be granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has been remanded on multiple issues due to inadequate opinions and need for updated examinations considering toxic exposure.
The deciding factor: The February 2015 VA examination opinions did not comply with the holding in Stewart v. Wilkie, thus requiring new and adequate examinations and opinions.
- Claimed conditions
- High cholesterol, Left shoulder disability, Left hand numbness, Left leg numbness, Fatigue, stiffness, joint pain and loss of balance, Frequent cough, congestion and loss of voice, Weight loss, Muscle cramps and burning sensation, Bilateral hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Gulf War
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 5, 2023
- Citation
- 23048526
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 23048526.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a low back disorder was reopened, and his claims for increased ratings of bilateral knee instability were granted. His hearing loss claim was denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeals of the initial ratings for his service-connected chronic cough and bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to procedural errors in the evidentiary record.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with hammer toes, hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis, sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bilateral kidney cysts, rendered him unable to secure or follow gainful employment. The Board granted the TDIU based on these conditions.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus) do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.
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