The veteran is seeking an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The RO has already granted service connection and assigned a 10 percent evaluation, but the veteran believes he should receive a higher rating. He contends that his PTSD symptoms have increased in severity, forcing him to quit working and requiring weekly treatment from VA. However, the RO did not conduct a current VA psychiatric examination as required by the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).
The deciding factor: The veteran's claim is remanded due to the need for a current VA psychiatric examination based on the VCAA requirements.
- Claimed conditions
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 2, 2004
- Citation
- 0417900
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 0417900.
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 Veteran's claim for an increased rating for post-traumatic stress disorder to provide her with another opportunity to attend a new VA mental health examination.
- Granted
The Board grants the appeal in full, granting service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.