The Board has remanded the claims for lumbar degenerative disc disease and sarcoidosis due to inadequate medical opinions in previous decisions. The Veteran's claim of a higher rating for his back condition is being reviewed, and he may withdraw this claim if he wishes. For sarcoidosis, the AOJ must consider whether it is service-connected or secondary to sarcoidosis.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the previous decisions were deficient due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the severity of the Veteran's conditions and their functional impact.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar degenerative disc disease, sarcoidosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 27, 2018
- Citation
- 18122133
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 18122133.
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
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to August 14, 2023.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he does not require regular aid and assistance from another person as a result of these conditions.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for sarcoidosis, finding that the Veteran's sarcoidosis is not causally or etiologically related to his military service and did not manifest within one year of separation from service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition and dismissed the appeal for sarcoidosis.
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