The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient consideration of a study by Viola Vaccarino, which suggests that PTSD may cause or aggravate heart disease. The Veteran's claim for service connection for his heart disability is being sent back for further review.
The deciding factor: The decision was based on an inadequate statement of reasons or bases because it did not consider the significance of a study by Viola Vaccarino, which suggests that PTSD may cause or aggravate heart disease.
- Claimed conditions
- Heart Disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 21, 2019
- Citation
- 19179991
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 has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidentiary development, including obtaining missing colonoscopy records and seeking an opinion on whether a more comprehensive examination would have been indicated.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and heart disease, finding that the conditions are not related to active military service or exposure to herbicides.
- Granted
Service connection for hypertension has been granted, effective June 1, 2004.,An earlier effective date of June 1, 2004, was granted for the assignment of a TDIU based on service-connected PTSD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD, heart disease, and right knee disability due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology and current severity.
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.