The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for DDD of the spine, but the case is REMANDED to obtain VA treatment records and attempt to corroborate an in-service motor vehicle accident. A new VA examination is also needed to determine if the current back disability is at least as likely as not caused by or related to active duty service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran has provided new evidence that could potentially support his claim, such as statements about a motor vehicle accident during service and recent medical opinions suggesting a possible link between the current condition and service. However, additional records are needed for proper evaluation of the case, including VA treatment records and corroboration of an in-service injury.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the spine, Stenosis, Lumbar Arachnoiditis
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 18, 2018
- Citation
- 1803305
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 1803305.
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 granted an earlier effective date of July 11, 2019 for the grant of service connection for cervical arthritis, stenosis, and myelopathy. The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is denied due to lack of evidence supporting a causal relationship with service-connected conditions or other factors.
- Granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates of April 20, 2019, for the awards of service connection for DDD of the spine and associated right lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine with stenosis due to a duty-to-assist error. Additional development is needed, including obtaining an adequate opinion from a VA examiner.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, degenerative disc disease, and stenosis are granted. Claims for diverticulitis, diabetes mellitus, flat feet (pes planus), traumatic brain injury, right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, sleep apnea, hypertension, a right-hand condition, a left-hand condition, TBI residuals of headaches, loss of taste and smell, and dizziness are denied. The Veteran is granted a 10 percent disability rating for TMJ prior to November 18, 2020.
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.