The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for arthritis, sinusitis, left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, and residuals of frostbitten feet. However, these claims are being remanded as new evidence does not establish a direct link between any current disabilities and military service.,Service connection is denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder (Major Depressive Disorder) due to lack of evidence establishing a direct relationship with military service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the submitted clinical evidence relates to unestablished facts necessary to substantiate the claims, but new and material evidence has not been provided to establish a direct link between any current disabilities and military service. The Veteran's contentions regarding frostbite are also lacking in supporting documentation.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Arthritis","issues":["service_connection_theory: direct","exposure_basis: none"]}, {"condition_name":"Sinusitis","issues":["service_connection_theory: direct","exposure_basis: none"]}, {"condition_name":"Left Ear Hearing Loss","issues":["service_connection_theory: direct","exposure_basis: none"]}, {"condition_name":"Right Ear Hearing Loss","issues":["service_connection_theory: direct","exposure_basis: none"]}, {"condition_name":"Residuals of Frostbitten Feet","issues":["service_connection_theory: direct","exposure_basis: none"]}, {"condition_name":"Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (Major Depressive Disorder)","issues":["service_connection_theory: direct"]}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 1, 2019
- Citation
- 19159998
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 19159998.
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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