The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's back condition, as there are conflicting opinions in the record and missing STRs.
The deciding factor: There is conflicting medical evidence regarding the onset of the Veteran's back condition and the need for further examination to clarify the timeline and relationship to service.
- Claimed conditions
- dental trauma resulting in the loss of two front teeth, degenerative spine disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 7, 2024
- Citation
- 24006762
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 24006762.
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 decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding range of motion for the thoracolumbar spine. The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for back disabilities is being returned to VA for further review.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar myositis and degenerative spine disease are rated at 20 percent prior to July 15, 2015, and 20 percent thereafter. The claim is granted for a rating of 20 percent.
- Denied
The appellant's claim for benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1815 and § 1805 is denied as she does not have a diagnosis of spina bifida, her mother did not serve in Vietnam, and the law precludes her from receiving these benefits.
- Denied
The veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his disabilities, but lacks the basic requirement for housebound status.
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