The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his cervical and lumbar spine disabilities. The Board finds that the current VA examination opinions are inadequate.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner did not distinguish between the limitation of motion caused by arthritis versus the service-connected strains, which is required to make a proper determination on the increased rating claims.
- Claimed conditions
- Retinitis Pigmentosa, Degenerative Changes of the Spine (Cervical and Lumbar)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 12, 2019
- Citation
- 19171002
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 19171002.
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 Veteran's appeal is remanded due to a duty to assist error in the VA examinations prior to the decision. The Board requires further development to determine the severity of his eye disabilities and their relationship to service.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of October 11, 2007 for the grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on blindness in both eyes having only light perception. The Veteran's eligibility for SMC became factually ascertainable on that date.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for effective dates and service connection due to issues related to Usher Syndrome, hearing impairment with vertigo, retinitis pigmentosa, and SMC based on loss of use of vision and hearing. The Veteran is seeking clarification on whether a separate rating for Usher Syndrome should be granted.
- Granted
The Veteran's spouse is not blind or nearly so, but her deteriorating eyesight requires significant assistance from the Veteran and results in needing help to avoid hazards in their daily environment. The Board has granted special monthly compensation for aid and attendance.
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