The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for bilateral lower extremity numbness and right calf muscle spasms incurred as a result of VA surgical treatment for the Veteran’s lumbar spine at the West Los Angeles VAMC in October 2004, finding that the evidence did not demonstrate carelessness or negligence on the part of VA.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence did not establish that the Veteran's bilateral lower extremity numbness and right calf muscle spasms were due to carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral lower extremity numbness, right calf muscle spasms
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 16, 2018
- Citation
- 18126919
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 18126919.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and a need to verify his periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA).
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of bilateral lower extremity pain and numbness before the Board could make a decision.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's lower extremity numbness and neuropathy, as well as an increased rating for varicocele with erectile dysfunction. The claims for service connection and increased ratings are also being remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for an examination that complies with prior instructions, specifically regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their potential impact on her bilateral lower extremity pain and numbness.
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.