The case is remanded due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination and the need for further evaluation of the Veteran's service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) L5/S1 with anterior interbody fusion with spondylolisthesis of L5 on S1.
The deciding factor: The February 2018 VA examination report is inadequate as it did not provide an opinion regarding whether pain could significantly limit functional ability during flare-ups and inaccurately stated that the Veteran's condition was essentially unchanged from the April 2014 examination, despite the Veteran reporting flare-ups and more severe pain at the February 2018 examination.
- Claimed conditions
- Herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) L5/S1 with anterior interbody fusion with spondylolisthesis of L5 on S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 7, 2020
- Citation
- 20023966
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 20023966.
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
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