The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with the June 2023 Board remand directives and therefore, another remand is necessary to verify all periods of the Veteran's Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) and Inactive Duty for Training (INACDUTRA), as well as obtain addendum medical opinions addressing the nature and etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed cervical spine disability. The issues of service connection for a cervical spine condition, to include as secondary to service-connected back disability, and entitlement to TDIU prior to September 20, 2024 are remanded.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was not substantial compliance with the June 2023 Board remand directives regarding verification of the Veteran's periods of ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA service. Additionally, the July 2025 VA examiner's opinions were deemed insufficient due to reliance on inaccurate factual premises.
- Claimed conditions
- cervical spine condition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 15, 2026
- Citation
- 26000552
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 26000552.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for treatment purposes only under Chapter 17 for various conditions, including cervical spine condition, right upper extremity nerve condition, left upper extremity nerve condition, headache condition, right wrist condition, left wrist condition, right elbow condition, left elbow condition, right shoulder condition, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), bilateral pes planus, right ankle disorder, left ankle disorder, and left knee disorder.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for both a lower back condition and a cervical spine condition, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus between these conditions and service.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for the proposed reduction of facial scars, an increased rating for tinnitus, and service connection for migraines have been dismissed due to untimely filings or lack of good cause.
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