The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to conflicting medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected ankle disorders caused or aggravated his thoracolumbar spine disorder and lower extremity radiculopathy. The case will be reviewed after obtaining additional VA medical opinions.
The deciding factor: Medical opinions are needed to address whether the Veteran's service-connected ankle disorders caused or aggravated his thoracolumbar spine disorder and lower extremity radiculopathy, specifically considering the effect of altered gait on these conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbar spine disorder, rhabdomyolysis (presumed due to burn pit exposure), lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 22, 2023
- Citation
- 23046430
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 23046430.
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
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, shin splints of the right and left lower extremities, multiple sclerosis (MS), thoracolumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, left elbow disorder, left knee disorder, migraine headaches, and right knee disorder are dismissed.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the permanent loss of use of his left foot and upper right extremity, allowing for entitlement to an allowance for an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Veteran's appeal of his right ear hearing loss claim is dismissed. His claims for tinnitus, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and several other conditions are granted. The remaining claims are remanded.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeals for service connection of thoracolumbar spine disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder. The appeal is dismissed.
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