The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to a predecisional duty to assist error. A retrospective medical opinion is needed to assess the extent of his functional impairment from service-connected disabilities prior to February 13, 2020.
The deciding factor: There was a predecisional duty to assist error in not obtaining a retrospective medical opinion regarding the Veteran's occupational impairment due to service-connected disabilities before February 13, 2020.
- Claimed conditions
- PTSD, vascular headaches, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, fusion with degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, left eye cataract with lens replacement, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, post-surgical scar of the neck, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 9, 2021
- Citation
- A21019656
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 A21019656.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Granted
The Board of Veterans' Appeals has granted service connection for PTSD and Mood Disorders, both presumed conditions under the PACT Act.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
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