The Board has determined that the Veteran's failure to report for VA examinations in 2010 and 2011 constitutes good cause, and a new examination is needed to determine if her current back disability is related to service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran failed to appear for scheduled VA examinations without providing valid reasons, which constitutes good cause. A new examination is required to address the issue of service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- low back degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 26, 2014
- Citation
- 1437992
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1437992.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected low back degenerative joint disease, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and posttraumatic stress disorder prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment from July 19, 2004 to October 10, 2004. The Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for this period.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back degenerative joint disease is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability was denied in 2007 and reopened on September 4, 2009. The Board granted service connection but assigned an effective date of September 4, 2009.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further VA examinations and to obtain updated treatment records. The issues include increased disability ratings for various service-connected joint disabilities, as well as a claim for individual unemployability.
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