The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for a back disorder, as well as the ratings for right and left knee disabilities. The Veteran's representative argued that his current back disorder is caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. Additional information regarding flare-ups of the Veteran’s knee symptoms is needed.
The deciding factor: The Board cannot make a fully-informed decision on these issues without additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's back disorder and his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, as well as the severity of his knee disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- back disorder, right knee degenerative joint disease, left knee degenerative joint disease, right knee instability
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 16, 2018
- Citation
- 18127255
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 18127255.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a back disorder, high blood pressure, and type II diabetes mellitus due to errors in development of the claim.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for headaches, right hip disorder, left hip disorder, back disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to a failure to provide notice regarding the Veteran's right to a hearing.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the severity of his left knee disability, including without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.
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