The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions from previous VA examinations regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's claims are related to his service and potential aggravation of pre-existing conditions.
The deciding factor: Previous VA examiners did not provide adequate opinions on whether any diagnosed psychiatric disorders had their onset in service or were aggravated by service.
- Claimed conditions
- depression, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, unspecified insomnia, pain disorder with psychological factors
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 9, 2020
- Citation
- 20065856
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.
- Dismissed
The claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for major depressive disorder is dismissed as moot because the earliest effective date was granted during the pendency of this appeal.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, and various musculoskeletal and skin disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for panic disorder, OSA, and hypertension as secondary to a service-connected condition. The claim for diabetes mellitus was denied.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.