The Veteran's claim for residuals of hypothermia is denied as there are no credible in-service incidents or current symptoms related to service.,The Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD and depression), TBI residuals, migraine headaches, left shin disorder, and right shin disorder are remanded due to the need for further medical evaluation and opinion regarding their etiology.
The deciding factor: There is no credible evidence of a cold injury during service that could be linked to current symptoms. The Veteran's assertions about in-service incidents are not supported by contemporaneous medical records or treatment.,The claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, TBI residuals, migraine headaches, left shin disorder, and right shin disorder require further evaluation due to the need to determine if these conditions had their onset during service.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of Hypothermia, Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (claimed as PTSD and Depression), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Residuals, Migraine Headaches, Left Shin Disorder, Right Shin Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 19, 2021
- Citation
- 21030793
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 21030793.
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 50% disability rating for migraine headaches was restored as the evidence did not show actual improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.
- Granted
The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a 50 percent rating, effective December 3, 2021, due to frequent and severe attacks that significantly impact his ability to work.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of erectile dysfunction was dismissed. A rating of 50 percent, and no higher, for migraines is granted. An initial rating of 30 percent, and no higher, for IBS is granted. Service connection for hypertension is remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone is sufficient to grant a TDIU, and his other service-connected disabilities are at least 60% combined. The Veteran also meets the criteria for SMC based on housebound status.
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