The Board has determined that the appeal is remanded for further examination and evaluation, including by a neurologist to address the nature and severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The issues include service connection for right upper extremity neuropathy secondary to ACM with associated neurological disorders of spinal cord syrinx and tethered spinal cord, higher initial ratings for left upper extremity neuropathy, ACM with associated neurological disorders of spinal cord syrinx and tethered spinal cord, and migraine headaches.
The deciding factor: The appeal is remanded due to the need for further examination by a qualified neurologist to address the nature and severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities including ACM, left upper extremity neuropathy, and migraines.
- Claimed conditions
- Arnold Chiari Malformation Type 1 (ACM), Left Upper Extremity Neuropathy, Migraine Headaches
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 7, 2023
- Citation
- 23060118
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 23060118.
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 50% disability rating for migraine headaches was restored as the evidence did not show actual improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.
- Granted
The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a 50 percent rating, effective December 3, 2021, due to frequent and severe attacks that significantly impact his ability to work.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone is sufficient to grant a TDIU, and his other service-connected disabilities are at least 60% combined. The Veteran also meets the criteria for SMC based on housebound status.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of erectile dysfunction was dismissed. A rating of 50 percent, and no higher, for migraines is granted. An initial rating of 30 percent, and no higher, for IBS is granted. Service connection for hypertension is remanded.
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