The Veteran's claims for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another, as well as initial disability ratings for his left ankle osteoarthritis and right lower extremity radiculitis, are being remanded due to deficiencies in VA examinations and duty-to-assist errors.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's disabilities have not been fully evaluated by a VA examiner who considered the effects of medication use on his disability ratings, which could affect the severity assessments. Additionally, there were no VA examinations addressing the impact of the Veteran's service-connected conditions on his ability to perform activities of daily living and whether he requires personal health-care services.
- Claimed conditions
- left ankle osteoarthritis, right lower extremity radiculitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 2, 2026
- Citation
- A26030458
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 A26030458.
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 a left 5th metatarsal fracture, as well as secondary service connection for left foot and ankle osteoarthritis to the same condition. The decision is based on evidence that supports these claims.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for left ankle osteoarthritis, right ankle osteoarthritis, and right foot metatarsalgia.,Service connection is established based on direct evidence of the conditions in question.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus his claim for TDIU on an extraschedular basis is denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's left ankle osteoarthritis without medication. The claim will be returned for further evaluation and a supplemental opinion from a clinician.
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