The Board has remanded the service connection claims for lumbar spondylolisthesis, spondylolysis, and stenosis as well as arachnoiditis of the right and left lower extremities due to potential pre-service onset.
The deciding factor: The March 2019 VHA examiner opined that these conditions are likely pre-existing and did not provide clear and unmistakable evidence of their non-service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spondylolisthesis L3-4, spondylolysis, lumbar spinal stenosis L2-3 and L3-4, arachnoiditis of the right lower extremity, arachnoiditis of the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 18, 2019
- Citation
- 19172788
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 19172788.
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: Granted
The Veteran's spondylolysis was granted a 40 percent rating from November 25, 2013 to October 26, 2023. The condition resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine being limited to 20 degrees during use over time.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's attorney has withdrawn the appeal, and thus the claims for increased ratings are dismissed.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a VA examination and additional evidence development to determine if there is a nexus between any lower back disability and the Veteran's active service.
- Whole decision: Denied
Service connection for sleep apnea was denied because the evidence did not show a relationship to service. An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for spondylolysis was also denied.
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