The Veteran's claims are remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and additional medical records.
The deciding factor: The decision is based on the need for updated evaluations of the Veteran's current disability levels as evidence indicates an increase in severity since his last examination.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) right elbow, Scar right elbow status post-surgery, PTSD and depressive disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 18, 2018
- Citation
- 18119174
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 18119174.
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 Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder are granted secondary to his substance abuse disorder, with a rating of 70 percent effective February 27, 2019. The appeal for an earlier effective date is denied.
- Denied
The Board denied a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as the evidence did not show that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings on several conditions was dismissed. The right arm furuncle received a 10% rating, and the obstructive sleep apnea remains at 50%. The Veteran’s TDIU claim is remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for tuberculosis, lumbosacral strain, a skin condition affecting the entire body, and PTSD/Depressive Disorder have been granted. The claim for service connection for tuberculosis was reopened due to new evidence showing exposure during service. Service connection is established for lumbosacral strain and a skin disorder affecting the entire body. The Veteran's claims for PTSD and depressive disorder were also reopened.
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