The Veteran's back disability and TDIU claims are remanded due to inadequate examination reports and the need for additional evidence.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not adequately assess the severity of the Veteran’s back disability, including its impact on daily activities and whether his radiculopathy is related to his service-connected condition. Additional medical evidence is needed to support these determinations.
- Claimed conditions
- ruptured nucleus pulposus L3-4/invertebral disc syndrome, lumbar spine radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 22, 2018
- Citation
- 18104644
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 18104644.
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 granted service connection for the Veteran's left tarsal tunnel syndrome, finding that it is related to his service-connected left ankle sprain and lumbar spine radiculopathy. The appeal for staged disability ratings for left ankle sprain residuals remains pending.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities and their relationship to his service-connected conditions.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims of loss of balance, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome and degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine radiculopathy, and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for herniated nucleus pulposus (HPN) of the cervical spine.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting reports regarding the Veteran's ability to perform activities of daily living without assistance. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if he requires aid and attendance as a result of his service-connected disabilities.
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