The Veteran's initial ratings for bilateral dry eye syndrome and urinary frequency were denied, with the case being remanded for further evaluation of other service-connected conditions.,Further evaluations are needed to determine appropriate initial ratings for additional service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not provide sufficient information regarding functional loss due to medication use and did not comply with the requirements set forth in Correia v. McDonald (2016).
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Dry Eye Syndrome, Urinary Frequency
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 29, 2026
- Citation
- A26040336
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 A26040336.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether urinary frequency is service-connected, and a new medical opinion is needed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error in the previous VA examination, and will need to schedule an in-person examination for the Veteran.
- Granted
The Veteran's hyperthyroidism with bilateral dry eye syndrome is granted an initial 20 percent rating. A separate 30 percent rating for a thyroidectomy scar is also granted.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for urinary incontinence, anterior prolapse (cystocele), and bilateral dry eye syndrome with a 20% disability rating. The effective date of July 7, 2017 is also granted for the service-connected bilateral dry eye syndrome.
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