The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU, as well as service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, an intestinal disorder, hemorrhoids, a gastroesophageal disorder, and erectile dysfunction due to in-service events or disorders.
The deciding factor: The Board found that additional development was needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and whether earlier effective dates were warranted. The Board also noted that new medical opinions were needed regarding the etiology of his sleep apnea, intestinal disorders, hemorrhoids, gastroesophageal disorder, and erectile dysfunction.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Arthritis of the lumbosacral and thoracic spines","issues":["lumbar spine disability","thoracic spine disability"]}, {"condition_name":"Status post discectomy, C4-5 and C5-6 (cervical spine disability)","issues":["cervical spine disability"]}, {"condition_name":"Depressive disorder, not otherwise specified (NOS)","issues":["depressive disorder NOS"]}, {"condition_name":"Left upper extremity radiculopathy","issues":["left upper extremity radiculopathy"]}, {"condition_name":"Right upper extremity radiculopathy","issues":["right upper extremity radiculopathy"]}, {"condition_name":"Right lower extremity radiculopathy","issues":["right lower extremity radiculopathy"]}, {"condition_name":"Left lower extremity radiculopathy","issues":["left lower extremity radiculopathy"]}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 24, 2020
- Citation
- 20074980
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)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- 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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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.