The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and a need for an examination regarding the appellant's mental state at the time of his AWOLs. The issue is whether the character of the appellant's service constitutes a bar to VA benefits.
The deciding factor: Incomplete service records make it difficult to determine the exact nature of the appellant's overseas deployment, which may have affected his mental state and behavior during his periods of AWOL.
- Claimed conditions
- Insanity
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 17, 2020
- Citation
- 20019692
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20019692.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board found that the Appellant was insane at the time of his misconduct leading to discharge, lifting any bars to benefits. Therefore, he is entitled to receive VA benefits.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the issue of whether the appellant's discharge from service constitutes a bar to VA benefits is remanded due to an error in fulfilling VA's duty to assist not to seek a medical opinion on the matter of insanity. The appellant was found to have received treatment for severe anxiety and continued mental health treatment throughout his active duty service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the issue of whether the appellant's discharge from service constitutes a bar to VA benefits is remanded due to an error in fulfilling VA's duty to assist not to seek a medical opinion on the matter of insanity. The appellant was found to have received treatment for severe anxiety and continued mental health treatment throughout his active duty service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the issue of whether the appellant's discharge from service constitutes a bar to VA benefits is remanded due to an error in fulfilling VA's duty to assist not to seek a medical opinion on the matter of insanity. The appellant was found to have received treatment for severe anxiety and continued mental health treatment throughout his active duty service.
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.