The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right foot and ankle disabilities, as well as his claim for TDIU, are being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The VA must obtain an addendum opinion to determine the severity of these conditions without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.
The deciding factor: The examination report did not describe the effects of the Veteran's treatment on his symptoms and was therefore inadequate.
- Claimed conditions
- right foot strain, pes planus with plantar fasciitis, residuals of right ankle sprain with torn ligaments and ankle instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 31, 2026
- Citation
- A26028884
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 A26028884.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions were granted effective from July 1, 2020.
- Granted
The Veteran's left and right foot strains are rated at 20 percent each, effective October 1, 2024. The Board granted the ratings based on moderate severity of symptoms.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's requests for earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings, finding no evidence of a factually ascertainable increase in disability within one year prior to his intent to file claims.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The claim for higher rate SMC(t) due to traumatic brain injury is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error.
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