The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, as well as TDIU prior to May 3, 2004. The claims are being returned for further development.
The deciding factor: The Board found that additional medical opinions were needed regarding the Veteran's low back disability and SMC claim due to potential gaps in treatment records from various VA facilities during the period on appeal.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain, post-operative degenerative disc disease at L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 9, 2020
- Citation
- 20001650
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 case for further development, including obtaining new medical opinions and examination reports to address the issues of service connection and increased ratings.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations and TDIU due to missing records.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, lumbar strain, and left knee strain. The initial rating period from March 5, 2024, was denied for allergic rhinitis.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbar strain, finding that the Veteran's current condition had its onset during active service.
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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.