The Board has remanded the case for further development, including providing a new VA examination to assess the severity of the bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and readjudicating both issues upon completion of the requested development. The issue of TDIU is inextricably intertwined with the disability rating of the bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the RO should have provided separate ratings for the back disability and the associated radiculopathy in April 2010 at the time of the grant of service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. The Board therefore, recharacterized the issues of bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and a back disability.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, degenerative disc disease L4-L5 with annular tear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 29, 2016
- Citation
- 1617330
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1617330.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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 found the eligibility determination for PCAFC enrollment to be legally inadequate and remanded for a new medical opinion that adequately addresses the criteria for eligibility as set forth in VA regulations.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted an effective date of December 10, 2015 for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA). The decision also grants earlier effective dates for these benefits.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection of a low back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding inadequate medical opinions due to failure to consider all relevant evidence.
- Granted
For the period prior to October 29, 2021, SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) based on housebound status is denied.,For the entire appeal period, SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) based on need of regular aid and attendance is granted.
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