The Board remands the matter of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right toe gout due to outstanding VA-authorized treatment records that need to be obtained.
The deciding factor: The decision was based on the necessity to obtain additional private treatment records from non-VA providers via VistA Imaging and, if not available, by securing necessary authorizations and contacting the providers directly.
- Claimed conditions
- right toe gout
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 14, 2024
- Citation
- 24033019
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for various gout and low back conditions for further development.
- Denied
The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's right toe gout, finding that the disability was not more than moderate and did not warrant a higher rating.
- 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.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.