The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of a low back shell fragment wound. The additional evidence received since the March 1986 RO decision shows that the veteran has low back problems, was wounded in combat, and there is a possibility that his current low back disorder may be related to shrapnel wounds sustained in service.
The deciding factor: The new evidence includes copies of service records showing the veteran's Purple Heart award for combat injuries, VA outpatient records documenting treatment for various conditions including low back pain, and statements from the veteran reiterating his contention that service connection is warranted for residuals of a low back shell fragment wound. Since there are no service medical records showing treatment for shrapnel wounds in service, and given the veteran's combat injury, this evidence bears directly on the matter at hand.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back injury
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 26, 2002
- Citation
- 0218737
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0218737.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for low back injury, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus to allow for further development of evidence.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for low back injury, groin injury, arthritis (claimed as rib cage injury), and left side nerve damage (claimed as side injury) due to a lack of evidence supporting the claims.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided that the Veteran's low back disability may be related to his active service, but needs further evidence before a decision can be made.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a low back injury. The case is now remanded for further action, including obtaining a VA medical opinion.
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