The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as sleep apnea due to in-service complaints. The VA examiners are asked to provide new opinions addressing the etiology of these conditions.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners need to address the Veteran's reports and medical history with a detailed rationale that supports any conclusion reached regarding the etiology of his cervical, lumbar spine disabilities, and sleep apnea.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine (neck), Lumbar spine (back)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 25, 2020
- Citation
- 20042918
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 20042918.
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 has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine spondylosis and stenosis post laminectomy syndrome (low back), right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, and left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy. As a result, these claims are being remanded to allow for further review.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder, a neurological disorder of the left upper extremity, and a thoracolumbar spine disorder.,The Veteran's testimony and medical opinion supported by Dr. Ramirez indicate that his current conditions are related to an in-service motor vehicle accident.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is granted, with an initial rating of 20 percent. The right arm disability has been rated at 30 percent since January 30, 2012.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran seeks service connection for various disabilities, including a cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, bilateral hip disability, low back disability, and residuals of a head injury. The appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and information regarding the Veteran's post-service employment in Iraq.
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