The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, polysubstance and nicotine dependence. The Veteran's right ankle disability was also denied.,Both the bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus issues were remanded due to insufficient evidence.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there is no medical evidence linking the acquired psychiatric disorder or right ankle disability to service, despite the Veteran's assertions. The VA examination did not provide sufficient rationale for its conclusions regarding these claims.,For the hearing loss and tinnitus issues, the March 2013 VA audiological examination provided an opinion but did not explain the significance of the left ear at 4000 Hz or why the audiometric at separation showed a change from 5 to 30 decibels.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, polysubstance and nicotine dependence)"}, {"condition_name":"Right ankle disability"}
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 11, 2019
- Citation
- 19103145
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
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.