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Remanded (sent back)

The Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome of the low back is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of evidence showing forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less.

The deciding factor: The Veteran’s range of motion was found to be limited to 40 degrees in her most recent VA examination, with such limitation occurring after repetitive use. There is no indication that without the treatment she would have been limited to 30 degrees.

Claimed conditions
Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the low back
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
May 13, 2020
Citation
20033525

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 20033525.

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.

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