The Board has restored the 40 percent disability rating for chronic back strain effective November 15, 2016. However, the reduction in rating was not warranted because it was based on an inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected chronic back strain is remanded.
The deciding factor: The reduction in rating was based on an inadequate VA examination that did not meet the recent requirements set forth in caselaw regarding the adequacy of VA examinations.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic back strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 25, 2020
- Citation
- 20014484
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 20014484.
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.
- Dismissed
Your appeal has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a back disability, diagnosed as chronic back strain, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to an injury sustained during her active military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral dry eye syndrome was granted, while the claims for increased ratings for chronic back strain, right knee retropatellar pain syndrome, and right eye pterygium were remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied service connection for chronic back strain, idiopathic structure scoliosis is granted. The Board has determined that a VA examination should be scheduled to determine if the Veteran's preexisting condition was aggravated during service or directly related to service.
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