The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for PTSD, left foot condition, right foot disability, low back disorder, right big toe disability, right leg disability, left upper jaw numbness and tingling status post oral surgery, left upper jaw infection status post oral surgery, shrapnel wound to the right eye, and erectile dysfunction (ED) as secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's service connection claims are remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there were errors in the decision-making process regarding the Veteran's service connection claims, specifically related to the need for additional evidence and examinations to support the claims.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Left Foot Condition, Right Foot Disability, Low Back Disorder, Right Big Toe Disability (claimed as Right Foot Big Toe Condition), Right Leg Disability, Left Upper Jaw Numbness and Tingling Status Post Oral Surgery, Left Upper Jaw Infection Status Post Oral Surgery, Shrapnel Wound to the Right Eye, Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 12, 2021
- Citation
- A21018173
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A21018173.
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 Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 23, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to February 15, 2005 due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his social and occupational functioning.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also met the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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