The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and examinations.,The Veteran's hypertension and sinusitis cases require additional examination as recent VA records are over two years old.,An examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's inguinal hernia is related to his military service, specifically exposure to burn pits.,A new evaluation of the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is required due to potential aggravation by his service-connected conditions and medication use.,The Veteran needs a VA examination to assess whether he has an acquired psychiatric disorder separate from his PTSD with secondary depressive disorder.
The deciding factor: To ensure that all relevant medical records are considered, updated treatment records need to be obtained. Additionally, the claims require current evaluations as recent examinations are outdated.,The Veteran's hypertension and sinusitis have not been evaluated in over two years, so new evidence is needed for a fair assessment of their severity.,The inguinal hernia claim requires an examination that considers exposure to burn pits during service. The VA examiner’s opinion was insufficient as it did not address the specific etiology based on the Veteran's history and current symptoms.,An evaluation of erectile dysfunction must be conducted due to potential aggravation by other conditions, including PTSD with secondary depressive disorder. An addendum is needed for a more detailed analysis.,The Veteran needs an examination to determine if he has an acquired psychiatric disorder separate from his service-connected PTSD. The VA examiner’s opinion was insufficient as it did not address the specific etiology of any such disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- Sinusitis, Hypertension, Inguinal Hernia, Erectile Dysfunction, Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (to include Bipolar Disorder)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 23, 2018
- Citation
- 18143742
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 18143742.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction and a higher rating for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy with muscle weakness, but granted an earlier effective date for the 60 percent disability rating for thrombosis, TIA or cerebral infarction with impairment of sphincter control and voiding dysfunction, and for service connection for pharynx and/or larynx and/or swallowing conditions residuals.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and hypertension, to include as secondary to left orchiectomy, for further development in accordance with the PACT Act.
- Partly granted
The Board granted readjudication of previously denied claims for service connection for PTSD and COPD, while remanding other issues including entitlement to service connection for an eye disorder, hypertension, tinnitus, a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, TDIU, and an initial rating for PTSD.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD with MDD, service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to the service-connected condition, and SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance. However, it denied SMC based on housebound status.
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.