The Board remands the claims for service connection for thoracic aortic aneurysm, heart condition (claimed as ischemic heart disease), and respiratory condition to ensure VA fulfills its duty to assist by obtaining additional medical evidence.
The deciding factor: The Board finds that there is insufficient medical evidence to determine whether the Veteran's conditions are related to service, including due to exposure to herbicide agents. A remand is necessary for a medical opinion on etiology and an attempt to obtain private medical records.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracic aortic aneurysm, heart condition (claimed as ischemic heart disease), respiratory condition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 7, 2024
- Citation
- A24072876
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for fibromyalgia, migraines, neuropsychological signs or symptoms, and a respiratory condition. The claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep disorder, lumbar spine disability, bilateral eye conditions, gastrointestinal problems, high blood pressure, and left below knee amputation were remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for further development to verify the Veteran's dates of service and obtain an addendum medical opinion.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a right knee condition, right shoulder condition, left shoulder condition, low back condition with right side leg pain, left knee condition, hypertension, headaches, respiratory condition, and psychiatric disorder.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for hypertension and a respiratory condition for additional development, including obtaining the Veteran's Army Reserve service records.
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