The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination report, and a new examination is required.
The deciding factor: The July 2020 VA examination lacked an adequate rationale for the diagnosis of Unspecified Depressive Disorder with Anxious Distress Secondary to Chronic Low Back, Neck, and Left Knee Conditions and did not explain why it was less likely than not related to service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Unspecified Depressive Disorder with Anxious Distress Secondary to Chronic Low Back, Neck, and Left Knee Conditions, avoidant personality disorder
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 4, 2024
- Citation
- 24010291
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 24010291.
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 a higher rating and an earlier effective date for service connection of major depression disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, somatic symptom disorder, and avoidant personality disorder was denied. The Board found that the earliest effective date is February 25, 2020, as this is when the Veteran filed his intent to file a claim.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with new evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for PTSD and found that his character of discharge from service constituted a bar to VA compensation benefits, as he was dishonorably discharged due to willful and persistent misconduct.
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