The Veteran's thoracolumbar strain is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has remanded to determine if a higher rating is warranted.,Atopic dermatitis was previously evaluated as noncompensable prior to December 12, 2018. Since then, it has been evaluated based on new evidence showing coverage of more than 5% but less than 20% of the total body area and no exposed areas.,The Veteran's atopic dermatitis is currently rated as noncompensable since December 12, 2018. The Board has remanded to determine if a higher rating is warranted based on new evidence showing coverage of more than 5% but less than 20% of the total body area and no exposed areas.,The Veteran's left knee retropatellar pain syndrome and right knee retropatellar pain syndrome are not service-connected. The Board has remanded to determine if these conditions can be linked to his military service.,The Veteran's GERD and dyspepsia have not been service-connected. The Board has remanded to determine if there is evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
The deciding factor: The decision is based on the need for further examination and evaluation of the Veteran's conditions, particularly regarding atopic dermatitis which may warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar strain, Atopic dermatitis
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 17, 2022
- Citation
- 22064374
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 22064374.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for increased ratings for PTSD, atopic dermatitis, and recurrent ingrown toenails due to the Veteran's absence from scheduled VA examinations.
- Granted
The Board granted an increased disability rating of 40 percent for thoracolumbar strain, restored the 50 percent disability rating for bilateral pes planus, and restored basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 60 percent rating for asthma with pulmonary nodules, denied an increased evaluation greater than 40 percent for thoracolumbar strain, and granted a 10 percent evaluation for right lower extremity radiculopathy effective September 1, 2023.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes. The Board also granted an initial 20 percent rating for thoracolumbar strain effective from February 8, 2010.
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