The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities are being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. The Veteran failed to report for VA examinations and the Board finds she demonstrated good cause for missing them.
The deciding factor: The Veteran missed scheduled VA examinations without providing reasonable justification, which constitutes a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Tension headaches, Left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, Right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome with right ganglion cyst, Left ankle instability (ligament laxity), Right ankle instability (ligament laxity), Left knee patellofemoral syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 19, 2024
- Citation
- A24058067
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A24058067.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for Dupuytren's contracture of the left hand, right hand, and GERD is remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and failure to consider toxic exposure risk activities during service.
- Denied
The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, but the Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), finding that both conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lower back condition and sinusitis, respectively.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for bladder cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
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