The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error, specifically the need for an updated VA examination regarding his bilateral knee conditions.
The deciding factor: A pre-decisional duty-to-assist error requires an update on the severity of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- right knee ligament strain, left knee total arthroplasty (bilateral knee conditions)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 27, 2026
- Citation
- A26028243
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 A26028243.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) secondary to the Veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities on a causation basis, with obesity as an intermediate step.
- Granted
The Veteran's headache disability is found to be aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, and the Board grants service connection for headaches as secondary to these conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for left shoulder condition, bilateral knee conditions, chronic fatigue syndrome, rhinitis, respiratory condition, sleep apnea, and migraine headaches.,There is no evidence linking the Veteran's current disabilities to his active duty service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records. The Board will determine if his service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining or maintaining employment.
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