The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's lumbar spine conditions are related to service. The case will be sent back for a new VA examination and opinion.
The deciding factor: The examiner did not reconcile the negative nexus opinion with the Veteran’s competent report of back pain after an in-service injury, but instead based her opinion entirely on a lack of objective medical evidence since service discharge.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine conditions
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 25, 2019
- Citation
- 19181432
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 has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine conditions, which were previously remanded for further development.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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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.