The Board has remanded the Veteran's increased rating claims for lumbar spine and right trapezius strain, as well as his SMC claim for aid and attendance at a higher level of care. The case is returned to the AOJ for further development.
The deciding factor: The decision was not clear on whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused him to become wheelchair bound, which is necessary to determine if he needs a higher level of care for SMC purposes.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain, degenerative joint disease, right trapezius strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 24, 2015
- Citation
- 1549589
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 1549589.
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 increased ratings and TDIU due to inadequate VA examinations in previous decisions. The claims will be returned to the RO for further review.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for left thigh disability, left shoulder disability, and right trapezius strain based on the evidence supporting a medical nexus between each condition and the Veteran's in-service injuries.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for mild intermittent right shoulder joint and right trapezius strain, as well as left shoulder disability due to inadequate medical opinions in previous remands.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral shoulder disabilities due to inadequate rationale in the previous medical opinions. The case is returned for further development and consideration.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.