The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar sprain with degenerative joint disease is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an updated examination.
The deciding factor: The decision was remanded because there were insufficient records of VA treatment and the Veteran’s notice of disagreement (NOD) was illegible, requiring further development.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar sprain with degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 4, 2018
- Citation
- 18155606
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 18155606.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent since September 30, 2019.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial increased rating and earlier effective dates due to the inextricability of these issues with his claim for a lumbar spine disability.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected lumbar sprain with degenerative joint disease was initially rated at 20 percent effective May 9, 2005.
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.