The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient consideration of all psychiatric diagnoses in the Veteran's VA treatment records and a lack of service treatment records from his psychiatrist. The RO is instructed to obtain any outstanding private or VA treatment records, including Vet Center records, as well as any missing service treatment records. An addendum opinion should be requested from the December 2017 VA examiner regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder claim.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the July 2019 denial was inadequate because it did not address all psychiatric diagnoses listed in the Veteran's VA treatment records, including insomnia disorder, unspecified anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder. The Court also noted a lack of service treatment records from his psychiatrist, which were necessary for proper consideration.
- Claimed conditions
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), adjustment disorder with depressed mood, major depressive disorder, unspecified anxiety disorder, insomnia disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 26, 2021
- Citation
- 21032377
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 21032377.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for specially-adapted housing assistance and a special home adaptation grant was denied because he does not meet the criteria for either benefit based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder alone warrants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU), and he has additional service-connected disabilities rated at least 60 percent. The Board grants special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.
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