The Board has remanded the cases of higher initial disability ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the thoracolumbar spine and Status post right ulnar decompression and elbow strain due to additional functional loss during flare-ups.
The deciding factor: Additional functional loss during flare-ups needs clarification from a VA examiner.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the thoracolumbar spine, Status post right ulnar decompression and elbow strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 1, 2019
- Citation
- 19159668
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 19159668.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied entitlement to increased ratings for the Veteran's low back disability, left ankle disability, and lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as a TDIU.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the thoracolumbar spine, as there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis.
- Denied
The Board denied an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine prior to December 21, 2023, and in excess of 40 percent from December 21, 2023.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction was granted from November 20, 2015. The disability rating of 30% is assigned.
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