The veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with bulging disc at L4-5 and scoliosis is being remanded due to inadequate notice, need for additional VA examination, and potential need for additional treatment records.
The deciding factor: The case was not properly notified about what evidence is necessary to substantiate a claim for an increased evaluation. The veteran needs another VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected back disability. There may be additional treatment records that are relevant and probative, so they should be obtained.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with bulging disc at L4-5 and scoliosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 5, 2008
- Citation
- 0804011
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 0804011.
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
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- Denied
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- Granted
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