The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability due to new and material evidence. The claims for service connection for kidney, bilateral knee, and psychiatric disabilities are remanded as VA examinations are needed to determine their etiology.
The deciding factor: New and material evidence was received regarding the Veteran’s claimed back disability, allowing the claim to be reopened. However, further medical examination is required to establish a link between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service for kidney, knee, and psychiatric disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Back Disability, Kidney Disability, Bilateral Knee Condition, Acquired Psychiatric Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 27, 2020
- Citation
- 20069271
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 remands the claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, as it needs a medical opinion addressing the nature and etiology of the condition prior to October 16, 2023.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist.
- Granted
The Board granted an initial increased rating of 70 percent for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, effective from the date of the appeal.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for hypertension is dismissed as the claim has been fully granted. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, back disability, fatigue, and acquired psychiatric disability are remanded for further development.
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