The Veteran seeks increased ratings for his cervical spine disability and associated ulnar neuropathy with carpal tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity. The case is remanded to schedule a videoconference Board hearing, issue a SOC regarding the increased rating claim for cervical spine disability, and obtain an updated VA examination for the neurological disability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's NOD in August 2006 was not addressed by the RO, and he has requested a Board hearing on this issue. Additionally, his increased rating claim for ulnar neuropathy with carpal tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity requires an updated VA examination to determine its current severity.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disk Disease (DDD), Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 24, 2017
- Citation
- 1705615
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 1705615.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's cervical spine disability and right upper extremity radiculopathy were denied increased evaluations. The TDIU claim was also denied prior to August 20, 2013.
- Granted
The Veteran's cause of death is determined to be causally related to his service-connected Degenerative Disc Disease and Degenerative Joint Disease, leading to a liver biopsy. As such, the claim for service connection for the cause of death is granted.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for DJD and rotator cuff tear of the left shoulder was dismissed because the VA Form 10182 was not timely filed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disabilities is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error in the prior VA examinations.
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