The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder.
The deciding factor: The decision is based on the unavailability of complete service treatment records, which requires VA to carefully consider the Veteran’s contentions. The Board also found that an examination should be obtained to determine if there is a relationship between the current disability and active military service.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 29, 2019
- Citation
- 19181707
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a clothing allowance for the use of a lumbar spine brace and crutches, but denied allowances for right knee brace, left ankle brace, and capsaicin cream.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for increased ratings and service connection due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for additional development of evidence.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.
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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.