The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his low back strain with degenerative changes is being remanded due to the need for further development and clarification of whether any current neurological symptoms can be solely attributable to the low back disability.
The deciding factor: Further examination is needed to determine if current neurological symptoms are solely related to the veteran's low back disability or if they are associated with service-connected complications such as diabetes or cervical spine degenerative joint disease.
- Claimed conditions
- low back strain with degenerative changes, peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities due to diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy and radiculopathy of the lower extremities due to cervical degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 27, 2005
- Citation
- 0534889
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 0534889.
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.
- Partly granted
The appeal for service connection for left shoulder disability was granted in full, and the issues of entitlement to a rating higher than 10 percent for right hamstring tendonitis, left elbow bursitis, chronic left ankle sprain, and low back disability were denied or dismissed.
- Granted
The Veteran's back brace caused wear and tear to her clothing, but the knee brace did not. The skin condition causing damage to clothing is not service-connected.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to failure to comply with a previous remand and for additional development, including an examination of the Veteran's low back disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for an addendum opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's low back strain with degenerative changes.
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