The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected chronic headache disorder, PTSD, and lumbosacral strain with arthritis are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations.
The deciding factor: The previous VA examinations did not comply with regulatory requirements regarding pain assessment and functional impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic headache disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder with depressive symptoms and traumatic brain injury (PTSD), lumbosacral strain with arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 5, 2023
- Citation
- 23026223
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 23026223.
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 a higher rating for lumbosacral strain with arthritis was granted, receiving an initial disability rating of 40 percent. The other service connection claims were denied.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for a neck disorder and a chronic headache disorder as these conditions are not shown to be causally or etiologically related to the appellant's military service.
- Granted
The appellant is granted SMC(o) and SMC(r)(1) based on his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, glaucoma, foot drop conditions, sleep apnea, migraines, overactive bladder, and various musculoskeletal issues. He does not qualify for higher rates due to the anatomical loss or use of extremities.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for a genitourinary disorder but remanded the claim for a chronic headache disorder.
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