The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the self-inflicted gunshot wound was related to his service-connected dysthymic disorder. The claim of clear and unmistakable error in the March 1978 rating decision will also be addressed.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's appeal involves determining whether the self-inflicted gunshot wound is related to his service-connected dysthymic disorder, which requires further medical evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of a gunshot wound to the abdomen
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 2, 2010
- Citation
- 1007659
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 1007659.
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 has granted service connection for the Veteran's residuals of a gunshot wound to the abdomen, finding that it was incurred in the line of duty and is not due to willful misconduct. The claim was reopened based on new evidence provided by the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for residuals of a gunshot wound to the abdomen and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD and depression) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded both the DIC benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and service connection for the cause of death claims due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the appellant's contentions regarding timely diagnosis and treatment of the Veteran’s UTI, sepsis, and other conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.