Cook v. McDonald
This text of 27 Vet. App. 471 (Cook v. McDonald) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.
Opinion
ORDER
Edward B. Cook appeals through counsel a June 11, 2014, Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) decision that denied VA disability benefits for neuropathy of the right hand, to include as secondary to a service-connected disability. In November 2015, the case was referred to a panel for decision and oral argument was scheduled for January 26, 2016. 1
On December 10, 2015, the parties filed a joint motion for remand (JMR) in which they agreed that the Board’s statement of reasons or bases is inadequate. Specifically, the parties agreed that “the Board did not address or otherwise consider whether [Mr. Cook] has a diagnosis of carpel tunnel *472 syndrome, which was caused or aggravated by his cubital syndrome, or whether this issue should have been considered by the December 2008 VA examiner.” Cook v. McDonald, U.S. Vet.App. No. 14-2672 (Dec. 10, 2015, JMR at 2).
On January 11, 2016, the Court determined that the JMR was confusing and ordered the parties to file a substitute JMR that clearly identified the agreed-upon errors and outlined the Board’s duties on remand. On January 19, 2016, the parties filed the substitute JMR. Upon review, the Court concludes that the substitute JMR adequately identifies the agreed-upon errors and “enumerate[s] clear and specific instructions to the Board.” Forcier v. Nicholson, 19 Vet.App. 414, 426 (2006).
The Court will grant the substitute JMR. Additionally, on remand, Mr. Cook is free to submit additional evidence and argument in accordance with Kutscherousky v. West, 12 Vet.App. 369, 372-73 (1999) (per curiam order). See Kay v. Principi, 16 Vet.App. 529, 534 (2002).
Upon consideration of the foregoing, it is
ORDERED that the January 19, 2016, substitute joint motion for remand is GRANTED. Under Rule 41(b) of the Court’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, this order is the final judgment and mandate of the Court. See U.S. Vet. App. R. 41(b).
. ' On Januaiy 21, 2016, the Court issued an order 1 canceling the oral argument scheduled for January 26, 2016.
Free access — add to your briefcase to read the full text and ask questions with AI
Related
Cite This Page — Counsel Stack
27 Vet. App. 471, 2016 U.S. Vet. App. LEXIS 151, 2016 WL 482456, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/opinion/cook-v-mcdonald-cavc-2016.