The Veteran seeks service connection for low back disability. The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine the current nature and etiology of any claimed back disability, as well as whether it is related to service.
The deciding factor: The opinion provided by the previous VA examiner did not consider the possibility of chronic back pain during an interval post-service due to substance abuse.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral degenerative joint disease, disc disease L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 18, 2016
- Citation
- 1628490
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 1628490.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbosacral degenerative joint disease and herniated nucleus pulposus (lumbar spine disorder) was denied as the disability does not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a rating greater than 20 percent.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, lumbosacral degenerative joint disease, tinnitus, right elbow degenerative joint disease, and others, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective August 13, 2021.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his back disability was denied, and he is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in rating beyond this level during the period from July 1, 2013 through September 6, 2018. For the period since September 7, 2018, the criteria for a higher rating were also not met.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal for a rating greater than 20 percent for lumbosacral degenerative joint disease as the appellant requested to withdraw his appeal.
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.