The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to assess the Veteran's need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, as no such opinion has been provided in the record.
The deciding factor: The decision was remanded because the VA examiner did not provide an opinion on whether the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities result in the need for regular aid and assistance.
- Claimed conditions
- major depression disorder, Morton's neuroma of the right lower extremity, Morton's neuroma of the left lower extremity, degenerative joint disease with lumbar strain and a history of radiculopathy, residuals of a right buttock abscess, left foot scars status post neuroma excisions, right foot scars status post neuroma excisions
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 18, 2019
- Citation
- 19130235
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.
- Dismissed
The appeal regarding service connection for major depression disorder is dismissed as the claim was fully resolved in a May 2025 rating decision.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher disability rating for PTSD and service connection for anxiety disorder, major depression disorder, and sleep disturbances.
- Partly granted
The veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss was granted. Other claims, including increased ratings for major depression disorder and left ear hearing loss, as well as service connection for cervical spinal canal stenosis and an increased rating for calcified granuloma at left lung base, were remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and remanded the issue of service connection for erectile dysfunction.
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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.