The Board remands the matter for a new VA medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's skin disability affecting his feet is related to service, including wearing occlusive footwear and use of communal showers and locker rooms.
The deciding factor: The previous VA opinions did not adequately consider the Veteran's reports of in-service symptoms and self-medication or his contention that his condition is related to wearing occlusive footwear or use of communal showers and locker rooms.
- Claimed conditions
- skin disability affecting the feet, to include onychomycosis, ulcer of the right 4th interphalangeal joint, and xerosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 18, 2024
- Citation
- 24002824
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.
- Partly granted
The veteran's claims for service connection for several conditions were denied. However, the veteran was granted an initial 10 percent disability rating for a right hand scar and an initial 20 percent disability rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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.