The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's heart condition that resulted in his death, specifically whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) that the Veteran’s heart condition was either caused by or aggravated by his service-connected Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
The deciding factor: The Board finds that a remand is necessary to obtain a VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's death, as there are conflicting opinions from private providers.
- Claimed conditions
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Ischemic cardiomyopathy/congestive heart failure, Coronary artery disease, Aortic stenosis, Pulmonary hypertension
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 19, 2018
- Citation
- 18143622
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 18143622.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type II, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, asthma/lung disease, vision disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, leukocytosis, kidney disease/kidney stones, enlarged prostate, sleep apnea, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar spine disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and GAD, as well as tinnitus.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease and intervertebral disc syndrome, cervical spine; cervical spine radiculopathy, right upper extremity; coronary artery disease; and right ear hearing loss.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's coronary artery disease for all periods on appeal.
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