The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure proper consideration of the Veteran's death and its potential connection to his service-connected conditions.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner’s opinion was inadequate due to not addressing the Veteran's history of substance abuse and use of prescribed opioids, which are relevant to the cause of death.
- Claimed conditions
- posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol dependence (ETOH), residuals, bilateral knee patellar chondromalacia, residuals, lumbar spine strain with leg length discrepancy, tinnitus, obstructive pulmonary disease, rhegulopathy, bilateral lower extremities, benign cyst right foot, musculoskeletal headaches
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 18, 2018
- Citation
- 18103541
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 18103541.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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 claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- 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.
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