The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected major depression caused him to become obese, and if so, whether obesity was a substantial factor in causing his current mid-back disability.
The deciding factor: The decision is based on the need for a medical opinion to determine the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected major depression and his current mid-back disability through the intermediate step of obesity.
- Claimed conditions
- middle back disability
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 4, 2020
- Citation
- 20058646
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 20058646.
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: Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for low back and middle back disabilities was dismissed due to an untimely notice of disagreement.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for a left knee disability and remanded the claims for other left lower extremity radiculopathies, foot, ankle, leg, and back disabilities.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for low testosterone, an initial rating more than 20 percent for painful left shoulder scars, and service connection for left calf tear, neck disability, middle back disability, and right quadricep tear.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board decided to reopen and reconsider several claims related to service connection for various conditions. Some claims were dismissed or denied, while others were remanded for further consideration.
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.