The veteran is seeking service connection for a low back condition that he claims was caused by anesthetic used during his pilonidal cyst surgery in service. He also seeks TDIU based on his current disability. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and comply with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.
The deciding factor: The veteran's claim for service connection requires a determination of whether his low back condition is related to his pilonidal cyst surgery in service, which was performed under anesthesia. The case also needs further development regarding TDIU eligibility based on his current disability status.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease, L4-5, spinal stenosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 2, 2002
- Citation
- 0200031
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 0200031.
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 remands the claims for service connection for spinal stenosis, peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Granted
The Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability since September 26, 2024.
- Dismissed
The appeal to reopen the previous denial of service connection for lumbosacral strain is dismissed as the benefit sought has been fully granted.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, lumbosacral strain, and spinal stenosis based on the Veteran's in-service back injury and chronicity of symptoms.
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