The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding service connection for ischemic heart disease and the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to May 11, 2011. The inextricably intertwined issue of an increased rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD prior to May 11, 2011 is also remanded.,The Veteran's appeal includes a request for service connection for ischemic heart disease (claimed as mildly prominent aorta and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)). The Board finds that additional development is needed regarding the relationship between the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents in service and his AAA. Additionally, the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to May 11, 2011 requires further consideration as it may impact the increased rating claim for PTSD.,The Veteran's appeal also includes an increased rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD prior to May 11, 2011. The Board finds that additional development is needed regarding the functional impact of PTSD on the Veteran's ability to perform occupational activities prior to May 11, 2011.
The deciding factor: The issues include service connection and a TDIU claim, both of which require further evidence and analysis. The increased rating for PTSD also requires clarification regarding its severity prior to May 11, 2011.
- Claimed conditions
- PTSD, ischemic heart disease (claimed as mildly prominent aorta and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA))
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 10, 2021
- Citation
- 21028267
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 21028267.
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 of Veterans' Appeals has granted service connection for PTSD and Mood Disorders, both presumed conditions under the PACT Act.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was granted with an initial evaluation of 50 percent, effective September 24, 2007. The appeal regarding the heart condition and sleep disorder is denied. The Veteran's hearing loss prior to August 24, 2015, warrants a 20 percent rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that the Veteran meets the basic medical eligibility criteria for PCAFC benefits due to his need for personal care services based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury. However, further clinical evaluation is needed to determine if participation in the program is in the Veteran's best interest.
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