The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar strain and the issue of entitlement to TDIU are both remanded due to duty to assist errors. The issues are inextricably intertwined, so only one can be decided at this time.
The deciding factor: There were duty to assist errors that need to be corrected before a decision on the disability rating and TDIU issues can be made.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain (claimed as lumbar condition, HNP and herniated disc)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 3, 2020
- Citation
- 20077022
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 20077022.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Denied
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- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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