The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease with spondylosis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran has raised concerns about worsening symptoms and flare-ups that impact his ability to function. The Board requires updated evidence from a VA examiner to determine if an increased rating is warranted based on these new findings.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease with spondylosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 13, 2017
- Citation
- 1738894
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1738894.
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
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's back disability during the period from March 30, 2010, to March 13, 2015, but denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the same condition during the period from February 4, 2008, to March 29, 2009.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating from 20 percent to 60 percent for thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease with spondylosis was granted effective March 30, 2009, to March 29, 2010.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease with spondylosis was granted, but only up to a 40 percent rating as of March 6, 2017. Prior to that date, the rating remained at 20 percent.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the April 2018 remand directives have not been substantially complied with, and the Veteran's thoracolumbar disability claim and lower extremity radiculopathy claims are therefore being remanded for further development.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.