The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary to address the Veteran's thoracic spine disorder, including whether it is related to his military service or any service-connected disabilities. The case will be returned for further review after obtaining the requested medical opinion.
The deciding factor: The January 2008 VA examiner did not adequately address all relevant theories of service connection raised by the Veteran and overlooked significant medical evidence in the claims file, including a childhood injury to his back and post-service injuries. The Board also noted conflicting medical opinions regarding the etiology of the thoracic spine disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracic spine disorder, to include T7 compression fracture and osteopenia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 15, 2011
- Citation
- 1134495
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 1134495.
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.
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- Granted
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