The case is being remanded to the RO for obtaining copies of the veteran's complete service personnel file and readjudicating the claim in light of all additional evidence.
The deciding factor: The character of the veteran's discharge was not a statutory bar to VA benefits, but his actions leading to discharge amounted to willful and persistent misconduct, which is a regulatory bar to benefits based on facts shown.
- Claimed conditions
- Not specified in this decision
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 27, 2003
- Citation
- 0321485
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0321485.
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
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.