The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a decision can be made on the remaining issues, including service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's mental health manifestations during active service were best diagnosed as passive aggressive personality with a history of heroin dependence and episodic excessive drinking. The current claim for service connection pertains to PTSD arising from combat experiences in Vietnam. However, the scope of the claim includes any mental health disability that could reasonably be encompassed by the claimant's description of the claim.
- Claimed conditions
- Left elbow shrapnel fragmentation wound, Left leg shrapnel fragmentation wound, Acquired psychiatric disability (to include PTSD and non-specified anxiety disorder)
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 19, 2018
- Citation
- 18112353
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 18112353.
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
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The appeal is granted as his PTSD is now considered service-connected.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left leg disability is reopened, and the appeal is granted.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
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