The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for nerve damage of the right and left feet due to a lack of VA examination and corresponding nexus opinions addressing each claim on a direct incurrence basis.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was insufficient evidence to determine whether the Veteran's nerve damage is related to his military service, specifically due to exposure to methyl ethyl ketone as a helicopter mechanic. The Board also noted that the Veteran had other potential sources of injury post-service and thus could not definitively link the condition to service.
- Claimed conditions
- nerve damage of the right foot, nerve damage of the left foot
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 20, 2024
- Citation
- A24048175
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 A24048175.
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 Board granted an initial 20 percent disability rating for the service-connected cellulitis of the left and right great toes, but denied service connection for nerve damage to both feet.
- Granted
The Veteran's annual VA clothing allowance for the HG80 hinged knee brace is granted. However, his claim for an annual VA clothing allowance due to use of hydrophilic and menthol topical creams is denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as additional medical opinions regarding her claimed right foot, left foot, bilateral ankle, bilateral knee, bilateral hip, low back, joint pain, eye, and psychiatric disorders.
- Granted
The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a right foot injury. The Veteran's statements, VA treatment records, and a June 2013 VA examination report have provided sufficient information to warrant reopening the previously denied claim.
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