The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his lower back condition, left lower extremity sensory deficit prior to May 25, 2017, a rating in excess of 40 percent for his left lower extremity sensory deficit from May 25, 2017, and entitlement to TDIU prior to May 25, 2017. Additional development is required as the evidence indicates that relevant VA records have not been associated with the claims file.
The deciding factor: The Board finds that additional development is necessary due to incomplete medical records and the need for retrospective examinations to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis (lower back condition), left lower extremity sensory deficit
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20069964
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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