The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and sleep apnea are remanded due to potential exposure to PCBs while stationed at Fort McClellan. The right knee and left knee disability ratings are also remanded as the evidence is conflicting. The TDIU and SMC based on loss of use of the lower extremities claims are remanded in conjunction with the knee issues.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's exposure to PCBs while stationed at Fort McClellan needs further verification, and a medical opinion is needed to address the conflicting evidence regarding knee instability.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus, hypertension, sleep apnea
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 6, 2023
- Citation
- 23059700
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 23059700.
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.
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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.
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The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.
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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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and increased rating for anxiety disorder have been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of a current disability meeting the criteria for hypertension, and the Veteran's anxiety disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
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