The Board has determined that the AOJ failed to obtain a complete and adequate VA examination regarding whether the Veteran's testicular hypofunction is aggravated by his service-connected IVDS or PTSD, including the use of SSRIs for PTSD. The case is being remanded to obtain this additional opinion.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the pre-decisional duty to assist was not met due to a lack of an adequate VA examination regarding aggravation claims.
- Claimed conditions
- testicular hypofunction
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 17, 2026
- Citation
- A26013876
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 A26013876.
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 testicular hypofunction and denied an increased rating for bilateral pes planus. The Veteran's testicular hypofunction was not found to be a disability for VA purposes, and his bilateral pes planus was rated at the maximum allowable under the applicable criteria.
- Granted
The appellant is granted SMC(o) and SMC(r)(1) based on his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, glaucoma, foot drop conditions, sleep apnea, migraines, overactive bladder, and various musculoskeletal issues. He does not qualify for higher rates due to the anatomical loss or use of extremities.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for testicular hypofunction, finding a positive nexus to in-service toxic exposure. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability was remanded for further development.
- Dismissed
The appeal of entitlement to service connection for a mental health disorder, claimed as anxiety and depression, is dismissed. The claims for service connection for heart disease, hypertension, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation with cardiac pacemaker, testicular hypofunction, and chronic pain syndrome are denied.
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