The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the lumbosacral spine is being remanded due to a lack of recent VA treatment records and the need for further examination.
The deciding factor: The decision was remanded because there are no recent VA treatment records available, which could provide updated information on the Veteran's condition. Additionally, an additional VA examination is needed to assess the current severity and manifestations of his service-connected DJD of the lumbosacral spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the lumbosacral spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 22, 2019
- Citation
- 19165532
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 19165532.
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 Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his lumbosacral spine disability and TDIU prior to April 25, 2017 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show he was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right knee disabilities but granted a 20 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and lower back disability due to inadequate examinations and conflicting medical opinions. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions, which are currently being reviewed.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral DJD is rated at 20 percent for the entire period on appeal, considering his symptoms and limitations during flare-ups.
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.