The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations to assess the current severity of his lumbar spine and left knee disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran reported worsening symptoms since his last examination in October 2014, necessitating a more contemporaneous evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine, Left knee bursitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 24, 2018
- Citation
- 1824559
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 1824559.
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 claims for a higher disability rating for degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine, as well as for degenerative arthritis of the right and left knees due to inadequate VA examinations.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, asthma with sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease, and various musculoskeletal conditions, render him unable to perform daily activities without regular aid and attendance. The Board has determined that the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance have been met.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran also meets the requirements for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to duty-to-assist errors and new evidence added during a period when it was not allowed.
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