The Board has decided to remand the case due to inconsistencies in the VA examination report and the need for further clarification on whether the Veteran's hyposmia is a TBI residual or related to his nasal fracture. The case will be returned for an orthopedic examination to clarify the severity of the service-connected TBI residuals.
The deciding factor: The Board found internal inconsistencies in the VA examination report and noted that the initial rating was based on findings not supported by further clarification.
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) residuals, Hyposmia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 19, 2026
- Citation
- A26015402
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 A26015402.
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 Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD with TBI residuals alone, from August 18, 2016 forward, was denied as the evidence did not show that he could secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.
- Granted
The Veteran's TBI residuals are rated at 40% effective September 10, 2022. The heart disability is rated at 60%, effective April 1, 2025.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD, IIH with migraine residuals, and TBI residuals are granted as service-connected due to in-service injuries sustained during INACDUTRA.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for the following issues: TBI residuals, vertigo, essential tremors, and headaches. The AOJ failed to obtain private medical records from Dr. R. Kastner and other private primary care providers prior to the March 2025 rating decision.
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