The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for low back pain muscle spasm, periscapular muscle myofascitis of the left shoulder, and bilateral foot bunions due to potential missing service treatment records from Germany. The VA is instructed to obtain these records and provide additional opinions regarding the relationship between the disabilities and service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there are outstanding service treatment records from Germany for the Veteran's claimed disabilities and instructions were given to seek these records.
- Claimed conditions
- low back pain muscle spasm (lumbar spine disability), periscapular muscle myofascitis of the left shoulder, left foot bunion, right foot bunion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 22, 2023
- Citation
- 23010922
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 23010922.
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 has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left foot bunion is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine its etiology.
- Denied
The VA denied service connection for bilateral pes planus, right heel bone spur, and right foot bunion because the evidence did not show worsening of pre-existing conditions during service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for a neck disability, left foot bunion, right foot bunion, right hip disability, and right shoulder disability as further development is needed.
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