The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to DIC benefits and recognition as a surviving spouse. The Court found that the Board failed to meet heightened notice standards for contested claims, specifically regarding who was the Veteran's spouse at the time of his death.
The deciding factor: The decision is based on the Court's finding that the Board did not comply with the heightened notice requirements for contested claims related to DIC benefits.
- Claimed conditions
- Not specified in this decision
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 19, 2020
- Citation
- 20074495
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
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.