The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to inadequate development of his medical records and the need for a new opinion regarding his service-connected back condition. The Board also refers the case for extraschedular consideration.
The deciding factor: The decision was not explicitly about service connection, but rather focused on developing the record and obtaining an adequate opinion regarding the Veteran's TDIU claim based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Back (thoracic degenerative joint disease and lumbar strain), Spinal lesion (Schwannoma tumor) in 2000, status post laminectomy, Disc disease, Disc herniations with associated radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 8, 2020
- Citation
- 20045414
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 20045414.
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 remanded the Veteran's claims for a cervical spine disability and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The case is being returned for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected DJD and disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, as well as his claim for TDIU due to the need for additional medical evidence. The Veteran is required to provide any relevant medical records he may have, including civilian employment records from his VA job.
- Granted
The Board found that the Veteran's back disability is related to normal aging rather than service, but the Court vacated this decision and remanded for further consideration.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is not etiologically related to his service, including a ruptured rectus femoralis muscle during service and his MOS duties as a physical therapy specialist.
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