The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back condition and MDD, finding no evidence of a current disability related to service. The Board also remanded the issues regarding PTSD and anxiety disorder for further development.,The Veteran was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in 2017 but did not meet DSM-5 criteria at that time. A new examination is needed to determine if his anxiety disorder is related to his reported in-service trauma.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's low back condition or MDD are related to service.,A recent diagnosis of an anxiety disorder contradicts previous VA examinations, and further examination is needed to determine if it is related to in-service trauma.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Low Back Condition (claimed as a mid-back condition)"}, {"condition_name":"Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 31, 2019
- Citation
- 19182541
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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