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
- Not verified here — check the original 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20023966.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.
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- Whole decision: Denied
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The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
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