The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of a disability rating greater than 10 percent for his back disorder and total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The appeal is, therefore, REMANDED as directed.
The deciding factor: The Veteran was found disabled for Social Security Administration purposes due to his service-connected back disorder. Additional development is necessary to determine whether the Veteran's disc disorder may be included with his currently service-connected lumbar spine disorder and to assess the severity of his service-connected back disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- Back disorder, Degenerative disc disease (DDD), Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 2, 2020
- Citation
- 20000166
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and foraminal stenosis based on a finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and a separate rating for traumatic brain injury residuals, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to address the severity of the Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and service connection for sleep apnea, finding no clear and unmistakable error in the prior rating decisions and no evidence linking the sleep apnea to service or a service-connected disability.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.