The Board has determined that the May 2016 VA medical opinion is inadequate and remanded for further development, including obtaining updated treatment records from Central Alabama VA HCS, requesting SSA disability benefits decision, and providing a VA examiner with an updated review of the evidence to provide opinions on whether any previously or currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disabilities began during service or were casually related to service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the May 2016 VA medical opinion was inadequate as it did not address the Veteran's previously diagnosed generalized anxiety disorder and failed to provide a rationale for its opinion regarding causation of his current psychiatric disorders. The Board also noted that updated treatment records from Central Alabama VA HCS, SSA disability benefits decision, and an updated review by a VA examiner were needed.
- Claimed conditions
- major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 18, 2017
- Citation
- 1712466
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 1712466.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for specially-adapted housing assistance and a special home adaptation grant was denied because he does not meet the criteria for either benefit based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia and alcohol use disorder caused his sleep apnea.
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