The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The Board finds the available opinions inadequate and requires a new VA examination to determine if OSA is related to service, including conceded exposure to herbicide agents. If related, the examiner must also consider whether it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The deciding factor: The remand is necessary due to the inadequacy of the available opinions and the need for a new VA examination to address the etiology of OSA in light of the Veteran's conceded exposure to herbicide agents and service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- type 2 diabetes mellitus, right upper extremity diabetic polyneuropathy, left upper extremity diabetic polyneuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, stage 3 chronic kidney disease
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 12, 2026
- Citation
- A26022446
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 A26022446.
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 due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding the Veteran's exposure to mercury in dental amalgams and asbestos during service. A VA medical opinion is needed to determine if these exposures are related to his claimed disabilities.
- Dismissed
The appeal concerning earlier effective dates for service connection and disability ratings has been dismissed.,No new evidence or arguments were provided to support the claims.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The Board finds the evidence insufficient to grant service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, prostate condition, headaches, IBS, behavioral neurology conditions, and acquired psychological condition due to exposure at Camp Lejeune.
- Granted
The Veteran's need for regular aid and assistance of another person due to service-connected disabilities has been established, allowing him to receive special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.
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