The Veteran's service-connected IVDS warrants a higher evaluation than the 40 percent currently assigned due to evidence of worsening symptoms since his last VA examination in December 2013.
The deciding factor: Evidence indicates a worsening of the Veteran’s lower back symptoms, necessitating an updated VA examination to assess current severity and extent of disability.
- Claimed conditions
- anterolisthesis, L5-S1 with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 19, 2018
- Citation
- 18159684
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 18159684.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a back disability due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between his service and acquired back disorders. The case will be returned to obtain an adequate medical opinion.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder is being remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion addressing the nature and etiology of his diagnosed conditions.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including anterolisthesis and lumbar strain, is not considered to be caused by VA hospital care or medical treatment.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal to obtain medical nexus opinions regarding the etiology of his thoracolumbar spine disabilities, including spina bifida occulta. The AOJ must ensure that VA fulfills its duty to assist and obtain updated treatment records.
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