The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left ankle degenerative arthritis with posterior tibial tendinitis prior to August 30, 2020 is being remanded due to the AOJ not ensuring proper notification of a scheduled VA examination and the need for a retrospective opinion regarding the severity of his disability.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran was not properly notified of the November 8, 2019, VA examination and thus committed a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The claim is being remanded to schedule the Veteran for an appropriate examination for a retrospective opinion regarding the severity of his disability prior to August 30, 2020.
- Claimed conditions
- left ankle degenerative arthritis with posterior tibial tendinitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 30, 2026
- Citation
- A26028363
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 A26028363.
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
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