The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, service connection for a chest disorder (including arthritis and costochondritis), and service connection for a psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration.
The deciding factor: The claims were remanded because there is insufficient evidence regarding the current nature and severity of the Veteran's back disability, the presence and etiology of his chest disorder, and the relationship between his psychiatric disorders and military service stressors. The VA examiner must provide a comprehensive assessment for each issue.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, Arthritis and costochondritis, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 9, 2023
- Citation
- 23060408
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 23060408.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has identified a contradiction in the AOJ's determinations regarding the Veteran's need for aid and assistance, which requires clarification. The remanded issues are entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another and on the basis of statutory housebound status.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased rating and earlier effective date for PTSD have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for a right knee scar secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability status post knee replacement. However, the rating for PTSD remains at 30 percent and needs to be re-adjudicated due to a failure to obtain private mental health treatment records.
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