The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for residuals of a back injury, respiratory disability, and residuals of a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) to include as secondary to PTSD due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.,Specifically, the VA examiner was requested to provide an opinion on whether there is clear and unmistakable evidence that any preexisting low back disorder did not permanently increase in severity beyond its natural progression during service. The VA examiner also needs to address the secondary service connection theory for respiratory disability and residuals of a concussion or TBI.
The deciding factor: The Board found the previous opinions inadequate as they failed to provide clear and unmistakable evidence regarding preexisting conditions, did not adequately address the Veteran's complaints during service, and did not consider the impact of her military sexual trauma on her current symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of a back injury, Respiratory disability, Residuals of a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 31, 2015
- Citation
- 1554502
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 1554502.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disability and a left shoulder disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service event or injury resulting in these conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for PTSD, CFS, and a respiratory disability. The claims are being remanded to allow for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error and incomplete medical opinions. The Veteran's respiratory disability claim is being returned for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for a more detailed medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran requires personal care services, supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury, and needs regular extensive instruction or supervision.
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