The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to missed VA examinations and a duty to assist error. The issues of service connection for hallux valgus (bunion), left foot, including as secondary to service connected plantar-lateral of the left foot as secondary to deformity of overlying 5th metatarsal; increased disability evaluation rating in excess of 20 percent for service connected lumbar spine strain with degenerative joint disease; and increased disability evaluation rating in excess of 10 percent for service connected GERD with gastritis are remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran missed VA examinations scheduled in conjunction with the issues on appeal, which constitutes a duty to assist error. The Board finds that good cause exists for the Veteran's missed VA examination and thus the case is remanded to correct this pre-decisional duty to assist error.
- Claimed conditions
- hallux valgus (bunion), left foot, lumbar spine strain with degenerative joint disease, GERD with gastritis
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 23, 2026
- Citation
- A26025916
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A26025916.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The appeal for earlier effective dates for various service-connected conditions was denied or dismissed due to the lack of legal basis.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an increased initial rating of 10 percent for GERD with gastritis prior to January 16, 2024, and a 30 percent rating from that date. The claim for service connection for bronchitis was remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical nexus opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current hallux valgus, left foot. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not that the condition is related to service and to distinguish symptoms from other diagnosed conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's current hypertensive heart disease is related to his military service and has been granted. The claims for GERD with gastritis and diverticulosis are remanded.
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