The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection due to new evidence suggesting a worsening of his disabilities since 2014, as well as potential issues with the diagnosis and onset of onychomycosis. The Veteran will need VA examinations to determine the current severity of his psychiatric and lumbar spine conditions, and whether he has residuals from an in-service injury to his left toe.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was new evidence suggesting a worsening of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities since the last examination in 2014, which warranted remanding these claims for further evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- adjustment disorder, lumbar sprain, onychomycosis, residuals of trauma to left great toe
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 8, 2019
- Citation
- 19177138
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to ensure a proper examination and etiology opinion are provided.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for adjustment disorder, finding it was related to fear for his life while flying combat missions during Operation Desert Shield/Storm.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a bilateral foot disability to obtain further development, including adequate VA examinations and opinions.
- Partly granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for adjustment disorder, bilateral pes planus, right knee limitation of extension, and left knee limitation of extension. The Board also granted service connection for a back condition as secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus.
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.