The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to address whether the Veteran's bilateral foot nerve damage and pain is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral hallux valgus. The examiner should also provide an opinion on whether the Veteran sustained any additional disability as a result of multiple foot surgeries performed at VAMCs.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the VA examination was inadequate as it only addressed proximate cause and not aggravation, and thus requires remand for further evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral foot nerve damage, pain
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 3, 2023
- Citation
- 23054620
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 23054620.
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The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been withdrawn by the appellant.,Service connection for pain secondary to a service-connected condition is denied. The Veteran does not have a current disability of pain that is related to service or a service-connected condition he is not currently compensated for.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC benefits is being reviewed due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board has found the current decision inconclusive and requires a more detailed medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for tender left knee, finding that his current condition is not related to his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a liver biopsy residuals, to include pain, under 38 USC § 1151 due to deficiencies in the previous VA examination and lack of an associated consent form.
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.