The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left dry eye syndrome, as well as glaucoma in both eyes, are being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran reported that his VA examination was cancelled because the examiner tested positive for COVID-19.
The deciding factor: The Veteran had 'good cause' not to be at his scheduled VA examination and is therefore entitled to an opportunity for another examination.
- Claimed conditions
- right dry eye syndrome, left dry eye syndrome, glaucoma in the right eye, glaucoma in the left eye
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 8, 2026
- Citation
- A26002062
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A26002062.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, dry eye syndrome, low back disability, right hand disabilities, and right knee disability. The tinnitus claim was remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's left dry eye syndrome is remanded due to a duty to assist error and the need for an addendum medical opinion regarding its relationship to service, including exposure to burn pits in Southwest Asia.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims due to errors in obtaining necessary evidence and for further development.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeals for bilateral hearing loss, left and right dry eye syndrome, recurrent acute sinusitis, retina deposits (right eye), left foot plantar fasciitis, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's service connection claims for these conditions are granted.
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