The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and obtaining all outstanding records of VA treatment.
The deciding factor: Further delay in considering the Veteran's claims would result in unnecessary delay given the need for additional evidence and evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain, spondylosis, degenerative disc disease, arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 21, 2019
- Citation
- 19148733
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the appeal to obtain a VA medical opinion that considers the Veteran's contentions of in-service training with heavy gear and equipment.
- Partly granted
The appeal for service connection for fibromyalgia was granted with an effective date of August 14, 2023. The appeals for earlier effective dates and higher ratings were denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the case for further development, including obtaining new medical opinions and examination reports to address the issues of service connection and increased ratings.
- Granted
The Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability since September 26, 2024.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.