The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection of degenerative disease (other specified arthritis) of the first right MTPJ, right plantar fasciitis, and right Achilles tendinitis due to a duty-to-assist error. The Veteran's current disabilities are related to his military service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was insufficient evidence for VA to make a decision on direct or secondary service connection of the conditions without considering all relevant service treatment records and the Veteran's history with left foot bunionectomy.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disease (other specified arthritis) of the first right MTPJ, Right plantar fasciitis, Right Achilles tendinitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 8, 2026
- Citation
- A26002197
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 A26002197.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received with respect to all the service connection claims on appeal. The claims are being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA examinations and medical opinions to determine the nature and etiology of the claimed conditions.
- Denied
The Veteran's death was not caused by or related to his service-connected disabilities. The appellant is denied DIC benefits, survivors pension benefits, and accrued benefits.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right foot disability, which includes plantar fasciitis, hallux valgus, and arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has remanded this issue for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a VA examination to determine the severity of his bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus prior to April 14, 2012. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion regarding the duration and functional impact of the Veteran's symptoms during this period.
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