The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for recurrent low back pain, status post L3-4 hemilaminectomy is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and a VA examination.
The deciding factor: Additional evidence is needed to determine the current severity of the veteran's service-connected low back disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- recurrent low back pain, L3-4 hemilaminectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 28, 2001
- Citation
- 0123658
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 0123658.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) because the service-connected disabilities, either alone or in combination, did not render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VA treatment records from 1981, which are relevant to the Veteran's claim for service connection for recurrent low back pain.
- Denied
The Veteran's grandchildren, L.M. and A.M., do not meet the legal criteria to be considered dependents for purposes of additional DIC benefits due to lack of adoption or legitimate child status.
- Dismissed
The Veteran requested to withdraw all pending appeals, including those for service connection for nightmares and increased rating for PTSD, as well as reopening of previously denied claims for hepatitis, skin rash, stress fracture residuals, fragment wounds, and recurrent back pain.
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