The Veteran's cause of death was attributed to atherosclerotic/hypertensive cardiovascular disease with diabetes mellitus type II. The Board has determined that the appellant contends her husband's mental health condition contributed to his death, and thus requires further development including obtaining VA and private medical records related to the Veteran's service and post-service treatment.
The deciding factor: The Board found a pre-decisional duty to assist error by not obtaining federal and private records regarding the Veteran's mental health condition and its relation to his cause of death.
- Claimed conditions
- Atherosclerotic/hypertensive cardiovascular disease, Diabetes mellitus type II
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 24, 2026
- Citation
- A26016682
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 A26016682.
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 of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, basal cell carcinoma, bilateral pseudophakia, dry eye syndrome and blepharitis (bilateral eye conditions), diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and heart condition due to inadequate opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's exposure to asbestos is conceded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, basal cell carcinoma, bilateral pseudophakia, dry eye syndrome and blepharitis (bilateral eye conditions), diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and heart condition due to inadequate opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's exposure to asbestos is conceded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for fibrous dysplasia of sphenoid bone and diabetes mellitus type II due to potential errors in obtaining medical opinions. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered with new evidence.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that none of the listed causes were related to his military service and no service-connected disability contributed to his death.
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