The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for new VA examinations and evaluations of his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with musculoskeletal strain of the lower back, as well as any current respiratory disorder. The Veteran should be provided with a new examination in connection with both claims.
The deciding factor: The Board finds that the Veteran's appeal requires additional development due to the need for updated medical evaluations and examinations related to his service-connected conditions and any newly identified or exacerbated disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with musculoskeletal strain of the lower back, Respiratory disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 30, 2015
- Citation
- 1527918
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1527918.
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: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a respiratory disorder, including claims related to asbestos exposure and claimed ionizing radiation exposure. The evidence did not support a link between any in-service exposures and the current diagnoses.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's respiratory disorder, including pulmonary hypertension, restrictive and obstructive lung diseases, sarcoidosis, and other conditions are remanded for further development to determine the nature and etiology of his service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a respiratory disorder secondary to asbestos exposure in service due to pre-decisional errors and the need for additional evidence.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for increased ratings and service connection due to a pre-decisional error in failing to provide the Veteran with a VA mental disorders examination and not obtaining complete VA treatment records.
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