The Board has decided to remand two issues: entitlement to a temporary total evaluation based on convalescence following treatment for service-connected lower back condition and entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected conditions. The AOJ is required to obtain private medical records, conduct additional examinations, and refer the matter to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for consideration as to whether a TDIU is warranted on an extra-schedular basis.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there may be relevant private medical records not associated with the electronic claims file and that further development is needed to ensure all pertinent evidence has been considered.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease L5-S1 (lower back condition)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 18, 2021
- Citation
- 21015638
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 21015638.
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
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