The Board remands the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, bilateral pes planus, neck disability, diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension (claimed as high blood pressure), and erectile dysfunction to correct an error by the AOJ to satisfy its duty to assist the claimant under 38 U.S.C. § 5103A.
The deciding factor: The Board finds that a remand is required to obtain adequate medical opinions addressing the possibility of a nexus between the claimed disabilities and the Veteran's in-service toxic exposure, as well as to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist under 38 U.S.C. § 5103A.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back disability, Bilateral pes planus, Neck disability, Diabetes mellitus, type II, Hypertension (claimed as high blood pressure), Erectile dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 6, 2025
- Citation
- A25040947
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.
- Granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates of November 5, 2021, for the grants of service connection and eligibility for DEA benefits.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a low back disability, residuals of a right foot injury, sinusitis, shortness of breath, allergic rhinitis, and sleep apnea as there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an effective date of May 29, 2019 for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder but denied earlier effective dates and increased ratings for other conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for a low back disability and arthritis, to include bilateral hips and knees, due to an inadequate VA examination.
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