The Board has determined that the current evaluations for the Veteran's lumbar strain, left ankle sprain with instability, right ankle pain, and right L5 radiculopathy do not accurately reflect the severity of his disabilities. The Board also finds that a remand is required to address the issue of TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's current evaluations for his service-connected lumbar strain, left ankle sprain with instability, right ankle pain, and right L5 radiculopathy do not accurately reflect the severity of his disabilities. The Board also finds that a remand is required to address the issue of TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain, chronic left ankle sprain with instability, chronic right ankle pain with mild instability and Achilles tendinitis, right L5 radiculopathy and extensor halluces longus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 10, 2018
- Citation
- 18141253
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 18141253.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the case for further development, including obtaining new medical opinions and examination reports to address the issues of service connection and increased ratings.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for cervical strain and lumbar strain to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors, including when the AOJ fails to make reasonable efforts to obtain VA treatment records, relevant federal or private treatment records; fails to obtain a VA examination; or provides an inadequate VA examination or opinion.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, lumbar strain, and left knee strain. The initial rating period from March 5, 2024, was denied for allergic rhinitis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations and TDIU due to missing records.
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