The Veteran seeks compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for residuals of a L4-L5 laminectomy and discectomy, which resulted in right lower extremity weakness and loss of bowel and bladder control. The Board finds that further development is required to decide this appeal.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claim requires clarification regarding the cause of his disabilities, specifically whether they were caused by VA treatment providers' failure to diagnose and treat his cauda equina syndrome when he was seen in October through December 2009.
- Claimed conditions
- L4-L5 laminectomy, right lower extremity weakness, loss of bowel control, loss of bladder control
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 3, 2015
- Citation
- 1504919
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 1504919.
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.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including loss of bowel control and multilevel spondylosis, have resulted in a need for regular aid and attendance. The claim is granted subject to the laws governing payment of monetary benefits.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for myasthenia gravis with ptosis and remanded the ratings for avascular necrosis, hip flexion limitations, and lower extremity weakness.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for several conditions effective April 16, 2007, but no earlier, and denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for constipation. SMC based on the need for aid and attendance was granted from August 30, 2013.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for various conditions but granted a 30 percent rating for left and right upper extremity weakness prior to November 13, 2024, and an earlier effective date of August 27, 2010, for total disability based on individual unemployability.
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