The Board remands the claim for service connection for tics of the face and neck due to a need for additional development, including centralized processing for mustard gas exposure and a new VA examination.
The deciding factor: The Board finds that it constituted pre-decisional duty to assist error for the RO to make a decision on the claim without sending the claim to the Muskogee RO for centralized processing and without first ordering a new VA examination to clarify the timing of the onset of the claimed tic disorder, and whether it clearly and unmistakably preexisted service and was not aggravated by service.
- Claimed conditions
- tics of the face and neck
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Camp Lejeune water
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 28, 2025
- Citation
- A25047153
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.
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The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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