The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations addressing his functional impairment resulting from service-connected somatic symptom disorder and orthopedic disabilities, including degenerative disc disease with bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and bilateral knee disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the RO failed to ensure substantial compliance with the May 2019 remand directives regarding VA examinations addressing the Veteran's functional impairment from his service-connected conditions and ability to function in an occupational environment.
- Claimed conditions
- somatic symptom disorder with cannabis use disorder, degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, chronic synovitis plus symptomatic patellar chondromalacia of the right and left knees, tinnitus, rheumatism of the left and right legs, surgical scar associated with DDD of the lumbar spine, status post-surgery
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 13, 2020
- Citation
- 20053713
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 20053713.
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 claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran experienced tinnitus during his active duty service.
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