The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a kidney disability, rating in excess of 20 percent for a lumbar spine disability, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's kidney disability is suspected but not definitively established as related to his military service. A new medical opinion is needed on both the kidney disability and the lumbar spine disability. Further examination is also required for the lumbar spine disability. Additionally, the Veteran needs to be provided with notice of how to substantiate a claim for TDIU.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was insufficient evidence to determine the etiology of the Veteran's kidney disability and the severity of his lumbar spine disability without further examination or medical opinion.
- Claimed conditions
- kidney stones, renal cyst of the left side, chronic kidney disease
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 19, 2021
- Citation
- 21022668
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 21022668.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as the appellant withdrew their request for a hearing and to continue with the appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that the Veteran meets the basic medical eligibility criteria for PCAFC benefits due to his need for personal care services based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury. However, further clinical evaluation is needed to determine if participation in the program is in the Veteran's best interest.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic kidney disease, effective January 30, 1998. The decision is based on newly associated service treatment records that were not previously considered in the original denial of the claim.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the relationship between chronic kidney disease and service. The Veteran's claim will be returned for further examination and opinion.
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