The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims for an increased initial rating and TDIU can be adjudicated. This includes obtaining updated VA treatment records, scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected panic attacks with agoraphobia, and determining whether the Veteran is unemployable due to his disability.
The deciding factor: The Board finds that there has been a material change in the Veteran's condition since his last examination for his psychiatric disability, which was more than five years ago. Additionally, the Veteran testified about an increase in the frequency and severity of panic attacks, indicating a need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination.
- Claimed conditions
- panic attacks with agoraphobia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 2, 2016
- Citation
- 1617362
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 1617362.
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 has remanded the case due to concerns about whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and anxiety disorders, pre-existed service or were aggravated by military service. The VA examiner was asked to provide an opinion on these issues.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records since June 2009. The TDIU issue remains on appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing and further development of his TDIU claim prior to July 13, 2015.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and verifying periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) with the Air National Guard. A VA examination is also required to determine the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.
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