The Veteran's PTSD, alcohol dependence, headaches, cirrhosis of the liver, GI disorder, bilateral knee disorder, kidney disease, spleen disorder, hypertension, keratoderma (a skin condition), and sleep disorder are all secondary to his service-connected conditions.,The VA has not provided sufficient evidence regarding the onset or causation of the Veteran's GI disorder, bilateral knee disorder, kidney disease, spleen disorder, hypertension, keratoderma (a skin condition), and sleep disorder. The Veteran’s hepatitis C is also under review for secondary service connection.
The deciding factor: The VA needs to provide more detailed medical opinions regarding the onset and causation of the Veteran's various conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Alcohol Dependence, Headaches, Cirrhosis of the Liver, Gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, Bilateral Knee Disorder, Kidney Disease, Spleen Disorder, Hypertension, Keratoderma (a skin condition), Sleep Disorder
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 13, 2018
- Citation
- 18134552
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 18134552.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 23, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to February 15, 2005 due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his social and occupational functioning.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also met the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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