The Veteran's lumbar strain is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to his limited range of motion and pain. The Veteran also meets criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran has open angle glaucoma associated with diabetes mellitus type II, which requires further examination as visual field testing results are missing from the file.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar strain causes limitation of forward flexion to no less than 45 degrees and he is unable to perform activities that require standing or walking for long periods due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as the current 20 percent rating adequately reflects his disability.,The Veteran has open angle glaucoma associated with diabetes mellitus type II, but visual field testing results are missing from the file and cannot be evaluated without this information.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain, open angle glaucoma, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 10, 2020
- Citation
- 20025038
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 20025038.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection for right hand arthritis and left hand arthritis have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for lumbar strain, radiculopathy of the left sciatic nerve, and radiculopathy of the right sciatic nerve have been remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for lumbar strain and lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome with left sciatica. The right lower extremity sciatica claim is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding the Veteran's exposure to mercury in dental amalgams and asbestos during service. A VA medical opinion is needed to determine if these exposures are related to his claimed disabilities.
- Dismissed
The appeal concerning earlier effective dates for service connection and disability ratings has been dismissed.,No new evidence or arguments were provided to support the claims.
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