The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's pre-existing bronchiectasis increased in severity during his active duty service and if so, whether it was clear and unmistakable that this increase was due to the natural progress of the disease.
The deciding factor: The clinician did not address the first question (whether the pre-existing bronchiectasis increased in severity during service) or misapplied the clear and unmistakable standard with respect to the second question (if so, whether it was due to the natural progression of the disease).
- Claimed conditions
- bronchiectasis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 26, 2020
- Citation
- 20069061
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,812 · Granted: 30% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20069061.
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: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his COPD with ILD, specifically bronchiectasis and pulmonary nodules as it is a freestanding claim that cannot be filed after a final decision.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for bronchiectasis and CVID on a direct basis, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities began during active service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, which grants entitlement to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation at a housebound rate is moot due to the grant of aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's respiratory conditions, including COPD, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary fibrosis. The VA must obtain an addendum opinion addressing these issues.
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