The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for degeneration of the brain tissue and a cognitive disorder due to the need for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a medical opinion.
The deciding factor: The Board found that while non-ionizing radiation exposure from radar equipment is conceded, it does not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection under VA regulations. Further investigation into the etiology of the Veteran's brain and neuropsychological conditions is required.
- Claimed conditions
- Degeneration of the brain tissue, Cognitive disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 11, 2019
- Citation
- 19170687
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 19170687.
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 an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, and other acquired psychiatric disorders not related to PTSD. The decision is based on the lack of a medical nexus between the current diagnoses and service.
- Granted
The Veteran's major depressive disorder and cognitive disorder are rated at a 70 percent disability level, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.
- Granted
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, cognitive disorder, and alcohol use disorder, has been granted a 100% rating as of February 10, 2009.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's VR&E case was previously discontinued due to her low grades and failure to pass the baby bar exam. The Board finds an additional functional capacity evaluation is needed considering her recent attendance at the Massachusetts School of Law.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.