The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evidence. The initial evaluation for cervical spine disability remains denied, while an initial evaluation higher than 20 percent for lumbar spine disability is remanded.
The deciding factor: Additional medical examination is needed as per VA guidelines in cases involving joint disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease and spondylosis of the cervical spine, Degenerative disc disease, spondylosis and spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 29, 2018
- Citation
- 18105917
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 18105917.
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: Granted
The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative disc disease and spondylosis of the cervical spine is granted, as well as his secondary service connection claim for radiculopathy of the upper extremities due to this condition.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical spine and right knee disabilities, as well as service connection for constipation secondary to his cervical spine disability. The remand requires additional VA examinations to address functional loss due to pain during range of motion testing.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease and spondylosis of the cervical spine, headaches, not otherwise specified, and residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to incomplete treatment records and the need for additional examinations.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal regarding the low back disability is dismissed. Service connection for cervical spine and upper extremity disabilities is granted.
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