The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease was granted a 20 percent evaluation prior to February 6, 2018. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increased rating and remanded for further examination on the issue of whether a higher evaluation is warranted after February 6, 2018.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease was manifested by severe flare-ups causing additional loss of motion that more nearly approximated muscle spasms and tenderness resulting in an abnormal gait or spinal contour. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating as there was no forward flexion to 30 degrees or less, nor favorable ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20036509
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 20036509.
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: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraine headaches, chronic vertigo, thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined effects of these disabilities.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection of thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease, finding that the Veteran did not file a claim prior to March 1, 2018.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issue of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease due to a duty to assist error.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease, and found that new and relevant evidence had not been received to readjudicate the claims for left and right lower extremity stent placements in femoral arteries.
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