The Board has denied service connection for a low back disorder and granted a 20% rating for bilateral dry eye syndrome with punctate epithelial erosions. The issues of service connection for fatigue and memory loss are remanded.,Further investigation is needed to determine the nature and cause of the Veteran's symptoms, including whether they are related to his service-connected conditions or other factors.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not establish a direct link between the Veteran’s current symptoms and his military service, particularly regarding his low back disorder and dry eye syndrome.
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Disorder, Bilateral Dry Eye Syndrome with Punctate Epithelial Erosions
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 17, 2020
- Citation
- 20054426
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 20054426.
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 reduction of the disability rating for headaches from 50% to 30% is not proper and is void ab initio. Effective dates are denied for various service connection claims.,Multiple issues related to initial disability ratings, effective dates, and earlier effective dates for higher ratings are remanded.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for higher ratings in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected right knee disability and low back disorder. As a result, the cases are dismissed.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied service connection for right shoulder disorder, low back disorder, and bilateral knee disorders as these conditions are not shown to be related to military service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip and low back disorders due to potential errors in duty to assist. Additional medical opinions are needed to address causation.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.