The reduction in the disability rating from 30 percent to 0 percent for unspecified trauma related disorder was improper, and restoration of the 30 percent rating is granted. The increased disability rating claim for an increase in the disability rating for unspecified trauma related disorder is remanded due to inadequate medical examination.
The deciding factor: The VA examination relied upon by the AOJ to reduce the Veteran's disability rating was inadequate and did not consider all relevant evidence, including his extensive mental health treatment records. The Board cannot make a fully informed decision without an adequate medical opinion assessing the extent and severity of his service-connected psychiatric condition.
- Claimed conditions
- unspecified trauma related disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 12, 2024
- Citation
- A24083353
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 A24083353.
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 unspecified trauma related disorder is granted a rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The right knee strain claim is remanded for further evaluation.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder, GAD, panic disorder, and unspecified trauma related disorder, based on the Veteran's in-service traumatic events at Guantanamo Bay.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The examiner must consider all diagnoses of record and provide opinions on whether each is related to service or a service-connected disability.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his appeal by his authorized representative.
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