The claim for service connection for a back disorder, claimed as myofascial back pain, was reopened due to new and material evidence. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder, were remanded for further development.
The deciding factor: The May 2019 VA medical opinion was found inadequate, and additional medical opinions are needed to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back disorder and any relationship it has to his service-connected disabilities. The examiner also failed to provide adequate rationale regarding the etiology of an acquired psychiatric disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- Back disorder (myofascial back pain), Acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder)
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 18, 2024
- Citation
- 24002828
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 claim for service connection for sarcoidosis as new and relevant evidence has been received since the previous denial.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for tinnitus to correct a duty to assist error, as the Veteran's lay statements regarding onset and continuity of symptoms were not adequately considered in the previous decision.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for a left-hand condition is dismissed as the Veteran was granted service connection for mononeuropathy to the left hand fourth finger with parasthesia of skin in an October 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding their etiology.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.