The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain his old claims file, locate any relevant VA treatment records, and schedule a VA audiological examination. The issues of service connection for lumbar spine disorder with associated bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, left hip disorder, and stomach/gastrointestinal disorder are being addressed on remand.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claims file does not contain his old claims file from the time he initially filed a claim in 1967. The AOJ is required to attempt to locate this file or make a formal finding of unavailability if it cannot be located. Additionally, the Veteran needs an updated VA audiological examination and any relevant private treatment records should also be obtained.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine disorder, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, left hip disorder, stomach/gastrointestinal disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 28, 2015
- Citation
- 1518192
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 1518192.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various hip and lower extremity disorders, including as secondary to a lumbar spine disorder. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further action.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for headaches, right hip disorder, left hip disorder, back disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to a failure to provide notice regarding the Veteran's right to a hearing.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to errors in obtaining relevant medical records and authorization for private treatment providers. The issues include heart disorder, OSA, sinusitis, lumbar spine disorder, and right knee disorder all related to Agent Orange exposure.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found the eligibility determination for PCAFC enrollment to be legally inadequate and remanded for a new medical opinion that adequately addresses the criteria for eligibility as set forth in VA regulations.
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