The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic lumbosacral strain, also claimed as back problems, is being remanded due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the November 1969 post-service treatment record and the Veteran's statements of in-service injury.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner did not adequately address the November 1969 post-service treatment record, the diagnoses it contained, and the Veteran's statements that he hurt his back during service. The claim is being remanded for a new examination and opinion to properly evaluate the etiology of the Veteran's disability.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lumbosacral strain, back problems
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 7, 2017
- Citation
- 1731765
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 1731765.
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.
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The Veteran's claim for specially-adapted housing assistance and a special home adaptation grant was denied because he does not meet the criteria for either benefit based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for multiple myeloma and back problems due to a duty to assist error. For multiple myeloma, the Veteran's exposure to asbestos is not verified. For back problems, an addendum opinion is needed to consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding her training-related injuries.
- Granted
The Board has granted the restoration of entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA), effective May 1, 2020. The decision was made due to procedural errors in the previous termination decisions.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no one is eligible for substitution.
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