The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her service-connected low back muscular strain is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of recent medical records.
The deciding factor: The most recent VA examination was conducted over 7 years ago, and there are no current treatment records available. The Veteran has also not provided information on any recent private treatment that could be obtained by VA.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back muscular strain, Neurological disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 1, 2018
- Citation
- 18139675
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 18139675.
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 a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired mental health disorder, to include PTSD due to in-service military sexual trauma (MST).
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board has granted readjudication of the claims for service connection for a bilateral eye disorder, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, neurological disorder, right side body weakness, memory disorder, and balance disorder based on new and relevant evidence being received.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for low back muscular strain is denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or incapacitating episodes.
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