The Board has decided that the case should be returned for further development due to incomplete records and an insufficient VA opinion. The appellant contends that the Veteran's death was caused by a surgery performed by the VA, which led to infection.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner did not address the appellant’s contention regarding post-surgery drainage and subsequent infection.
- Claimed conditions
- Death
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 26, 2018
- Citation
- 18160217
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 18160217.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to issues with informed consent documentation and a need for additional development regarding the etiology of the Veteran's death.
- Denied
The Board denied the Appellant's petition to reopen her claim for DIC benefits, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted. The original denial was based on an administrative decision in April 1977 which concluded she was barred from receiving VA compensation due to involvement in her husband's murder.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding whether VA's care and treatment of the Veteran contributed to his death. The Appellant contends that the Veteran’s death was caused by negligent VA treatment following surgery performed on his right ear.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the DIC claim due to insufficient evidence regarding whether VA's care or treatment caused the Veteran's death. The appellant argues that VA was negligent in prescribing Loratadine, which she contends had complications when combined with his heart condition.
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