The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic lumbar syndrome with left leg radiculopathy and L4-5 degenerative disc disease (back disability) and entitlement to a compensable disability rating for microcytic hypochromic anemia (anemia). The Veteran's anemia was rated under the old criteria prior to December 9, 2018, but since then has been rated under new Diagnostic Code 7720. The Board found that the Veteran’s anemia required continuous treatment with oral supplementation and thus warrants a staged initial disability rating of 10 percent from December 9, 2018. No TDIU was granted.
The deciding factor: The criteria for a higher disability rating were not met under either the old or new rating criteria for anemia.
- Claimed conditions
- anemia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 18, 2020
- Citation
- 20041669
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 20041669.
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
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC benefits is remanded due to the AOJ's failure to address whether it is in the best interest of the Veteran to participate in the program. The Board finds that the Veteran has been in need of personal care services for at least six continuous months based on an inability to perform the ADL of bathing.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for further review of the evidence. The Board is unable to determine if there was a factual increase in disability prior to the effective dates requested, or if service connection should be granted based on the current evidence.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from maintaining employment in the construction industry, and he was able to work with accommodations such as sedentary work and frequent breaks. The Board denied his claim for a TDIU.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for GERD/acid reflux and anemia, finding that these conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder.
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