The Board has determined that a VA medical examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed low back disorder, including diagnoses noted in treatment records. The case will be remanded for this purpose.
The deciding factor: The claim requires an evaluation of the Veteran's current condition and its relationship to service, which necessitates a medical opinion based on examination findings.
- Claimed conditions
- subluxation complex at multiple levels in the thoracic region, herniated lumbar disc, L5-S1, with radiculitis, cervical-dorsal myositis with somatic dysfunction, lumbar subluxation, degeneration of the lumbar or lumbosacral disc, sciatica
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 23, 2018
- Citation
- 1803845
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1803845.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to a duty to assist error regarding her service-connected depression. She needs an examination to assess the impact of her depression on her ability to work.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity disabilities, including sciatica, are granted on a secondary basis to his service-connected back disability. The Board found that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran has been unable to secure or follow gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found a pre-decisional duty to assist error in failing to obtain a current medical examination for the Veteran's lumbar strain. The claim is being remanded for further evaluation and consideration of the severity of the condition, including any associated radiculopathy.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus, gout in the right hand and bilateral lower extremities, and sleep apnea are granted service connection. The Veteran's hypertension, arthritis, neck condition, restless leg syndrome, sciatica, and back condition are denied service connection.
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