The Board has determined that further development is needed to address whether a higher alternate rating is warranted for the service connected lumbar spine based upon the Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes from November 14, 2007 to March 5, 2008. The remaining issues are also remanded.
The deciding factor: The Board has determined that further development is needed to address whether a higher alternate rating is warranted for the service connected lumbar spine based upon the Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes from November 14, 2007 to March 5, 2008.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), neurogenic bladder, impairment of rectal sphincter control, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, raticulopathy of the right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 20, 2018
- Citation
- 18137360
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 18137360.
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 Veteran's service-connected conditions, including Parkinson's disease and related disabilities of the upper and lower extremities, have caused loss of use in both hands and need for aid and attendance due to his lower extremity disability, kidney disease, and neurogenic bladder. The Board has granted SMC based on these findings.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his physical limitations could be accommodated by sedentary employment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The AOJ must schedule an examination to determine if he requires the regular aid and attendance of another person as a result of his service-connected impairment of rectal sphincter control.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and remanded the claim for adjustment disorder. The Veteran's radiculopathy is not shown to be related to his military service, while his adjustment disorder may be related to civilian life.
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