The claim is being remanded to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error related to the Veteran's July 2017 exploratory laparotomy and subsequent infection due to synthetic mesh.
The deciding factor: The VA did not obtain an opinion addressing whether the infection occurred because VA did not remove the synthetic mesh during the July 2017 laparotomy, as stated in Dr. S.S.'s August 2018 treatment note.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of a July 2017 exploratory laparotomy, to include a synthetic mesh infection
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 16, 2025
- Citation
- A25044246
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
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.