The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, including degenerative arthritis, is related to her service-connected bilateral hip strain. The examiner must also assess whether the lumbar disorder was caused or aggravated by her service-connected hip disability.
The deciding factor: The previous medical opinions were insufficient and there are conflicting findings regarding the relationship between the lumbar spine disorder and the service-connected hip disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with herniated disc
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 27, 2020
- Citation
- 20036236
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20036236.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with herniated disc. The Veteran's low back disability is found to be directly related to his active military service, while his cervical spine disability is also found to be related to service based on a nexus between the Veteran's performance during service and his current condition.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected traumatic brain injury, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Granted
The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
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