The Board is remanding the case to obtain VA dental records and a VA physician's opinion regarding whether dental treatment can be considered as adjunct to the Veteran's service-connected disability. The claim will then be readjudicated.
The deciding factor: The decision requires obtaining relevant VA dental records and a medical opinion, which may affect the outcome of the claim.
- Claimed conditions
- dental decay
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 19, 2009
- Citation
- 0939440
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0939440.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for a left latissimus dorsi injury and service connection for dental decay as secondary to adnexal carcinoma of the scalp was denied. The Board found that his current residuals did not meet criteria for higher ratings, and concluded that his dental decay is less likely than not due to radiation treatment for his cancer.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided that the Veteran's dental decay, claimed as secondary to a psychiatric disability, should be remanded for further action due to insufficient rationale in the prior medical opinion and the need to obtain additional private treatment records.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for dental decay as secondary to a service-connected duodenal ulcer, finding that new and material evidence was not presented.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found that the veteran's dental disability, manifested by a history of dental decay and loss of teeth, is not a disability for which VA disability compensation is payable.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.