The Board remands the claims for a gastrointestinal condition, left and right elbow conditions, low back condition, and neck condition to correct pre-decisional errors, as the AOJ failed to obtain necessary VA examinations and medical opinions.
The deciding factor: The record was sufficient to meet the low threshold for providing a medical examination in response to these claims, but an examination and opinion are needed to address the etiology of the conditions, including potential Gulf War exposure or toxic exposure risk activity.
- Claimed conditions
- gastrointestinal condition (GERD and gastritis), left elbow condition, right elbow condition, low back condition, neck condition
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 6, 2024
- Citation
- A24072385
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 right foot, left elbow, left hip, left ankle, and diabetes mellitus to obtain additional medical evidence.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection, higher ratings, and earlier effective dates, as well as dismissed his claim for a TDIU.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and other benefits, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings or additional compensation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection of a low back condition to obtain an adequate medical opinion, as the presumption of soundness has not been rebutted.
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