The Board has determined that the VA decision denying enrollment in the PCAFC program was not based on a proper application of the law and regulations, specifically regarding the definition of 'supervision, protection, or instruction' under 38 C.F.R. § 71.15. The Board therefore remands the case for further action.
The deciding factor: The VA decision did not provide an adequate clinical determination and decision as to whether it is in the best interest of the Veteran to participate in the PCAFC program, which was required by regulation.
- Claimed conditions
- posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), urinary frequency, bilateral pes planus with fasciitis status post bilateral great toe bunionectomy, sleep apnea, right (dominant) shoulder degenerative joint disease (DJD) and rotator cuff tendonitis status post arthroscopy residuals, traumatic brain injury (TBI), right upper extremity radiculopathy of the upper radicular nerve, left shoulder DJD rotator cuff tendonitis status post arthroscopy residuals, hemorrhoids, shoulder surgery scars, tension migraine, cervical degenerative joint disease (DDD) intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), lumbosacral degenerative joint disease (DDD) intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), left and right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, right and left epicondylitis, right and left wrist strain, right and left limitation of motion of the thumb, iliopsoas tendonitis of the right and left hips, right and left patellar syndrome, right and left achilles tendonitis, dry eye condition, tinnitus, pseudofolliculitis, left and right hand finger sprain of the little and ring fingers, left and right hip limitation of flexion, impairment of the thigh
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 21, 2026
- Citation
- A26005634
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 A26005634.
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 remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
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