The Veteran's lumbar spine spondylosis with degenerative disc disease is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his disability and determine if an increased rating is warranted.
The deciding factor: The most recent VA examination was conducted over three years ago, and the Veteran has provided evidence of flare-ups and pain during examinations. The Board requires a new examination to provide updated information on the extent of his lumbar spine disability.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine spondylosis with degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 26, 2019
- Citation
- 19189008
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 19189008.
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 lumbar spine spondylosis with degenerative disc disease is rated at 20 percent, the highest possible rating. The appeal for a higher initial disability rating remains pending.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy of the lower extremities has been granted. The claims are now remanded for further development.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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