The veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative changes of the low back and left shoulder pain due to tendonitis are being remanded for further development, including a more thorough examination with etiology opinions based on a claims file review.
The deciding factor: Further evidence is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's claimed conditions, as the prior VA examination did not provide conclusive information regarding their relationship to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes of the low back, Left shoulder pain due to tendonitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 17, 2008
- Citation
- 0812732
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 veteran's initial rating for degenerative changes of the low back was increased to 40 percent disabling as of August 10, 2005.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.