The Board has remanded the claims for left foot disability, bilateral hand numbness, and shoulder disability due to a lack of VA examinations. The Veteran's service treatment records show he was seen for left shoulder pain in May 2006 and had left foot pain since returning from deployment. His lay statements indicate his hand numbness is related to his back injury. Participation in toxic exposure risk activities (TERA) during service has been conceded, but a VA examination is needed to determine the relationship between TERA and migraine headaches.
The deciding factor: The Board found that VA examinations are warranted due to lack of evidence on the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left foot disability, bilateral hand numbness, and shoulder disability. The Veteran's service treatment records show he was seen for left shoulder pain in May 2006 and had left foot pain since returning from deployment. His lay statements indicate his hand numbness is related to his back injury. Participation in TERA has been conceded but a VA examination is needed to determine the relationship between TERA and migraine headaches.
- Claimed conditions
- left foot disability, bilateral hand numbness, shoulder disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 10, 2026
- Citation
- A26012414
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 A26012414.
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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- Granted
The Veteran's left foot disability and anxiety disorder render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his physical limitations and cognitive impairments, which require assistance from another person.
- Denied
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