The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and increased ratings are remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting further examinations.
The deciding factor: The decision is based on the need for new evidence and a thorough review of existing records, particularly regarding the Veteran’s psychiatric disability and left wrist condition.
- Claimed conditions
- Dysthymic Disorder, Left Wrist Disability
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 18, 2018
- Citation
- 18136256
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 18136256.
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 found a pre-decisional duty to assist error and remands the case for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder(s).
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and dysthymic disorder, are granted as at least as likely as not related to in-service military sexual trauma (MSTs). The claim for a sleep disorder is remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 50 percent for generalized anxiety disorder from March 1, 2023 was granted. The effective date remains pending as the earlier effective date request is separate and distinct.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for facial scarring, left and right foot disabilities, left and right ankle disabilities, left knee, left hip, and left shoulder disabilities, as well as left and right wrist disabilities. The Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.