The Veteran's claims for cervical spine disorder, lumbar strain with thoracic degenerative joint disease and intervertebral disc syndrome, patellar tendon repair and patellar fracture of the right knee, lateral collateral ligament laxity of the right knee, limitation of extension of the right knee, patellar tendon repair of the left knee, and limitation of extension of the left knee are being remanded for further development.
The deciding factor: The Veteran has not been provided with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his cervical spine disorder, which is related to service. Additionally, he has not been afforded an appropriate VA examination in connection with his claims for increased ratings for his lumbar strain, patellar tendon repair, lateral collateral ligament laxity, limitation of extension of the right knee, patellar tendon repair of the left knee, and limitation of extension of the left knee.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Spine Disorder, Lumbar Strain with Thoracic Degenerative Joint Disease and Intervertebral Disc Syndrome, Patellar Tendon Repair and Patellar Fracture of the Right Knee, Lateral Collateral Ligament Laxity of the Right Knee, Limitation of Extension of the Right Knee, Patellar Tendon Repair of the Left Knee, Limitation of Extension of the Left Knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 6, 2018
- Citation
- 18124217
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 18124217.
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.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is dismissed as the Veteran was granted service connection effective from the date of his claim.,Service connection for bilateral tinnitus is denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left shoulder disorders, right shoulder disorder, cervical spine disorder, left ankle disorder, allergic rhinitis, and bilateral knee disorders, prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work history. The Board granted the TDIU claim based on these conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions provided in his VA examinations. The claims include tension headaches, a psychiatric disability (diagnosed as generalized anxiety disorder), a cervical spine disorder, hand tremors, a lumbosacral spine disorder, a gastrointestinal disorder, and residuals of a hydrocele.
- Dismissed
The appeal for PTSD is dismissed. The cervical spine and left middle finger disorders are remanded.
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.