The Board remands the claim for service connection for thoracic spine strain, lumbar spine strain, degenerative arthritis, and intervertebral disc syndrome to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
The deciding factor: The Board finds that there is an unclear characterization of the Veteran's duty status during the period September 2, 2005 to September 16, 2005, which must be clarified before making a decision on the claim.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracic spine strain, lumbar spine strain, degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 22, 2025
- Citation
- A25046266
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.
- Dismissed
The appeal seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, degenerative arthritis, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension was dismissed due to non-compliance with claims processing rules.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for various conditions to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors, including obtaining outstanding Social Security Administration records.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain and thoracic spine strain as an adequate medical nexus opinion is not available.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a right foot disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis, fibrocartilaginous calcaneonavicular with lateral cuneiform cuboid coalition, other unspecified right ankle disorder, and status post right foot fracture.
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