The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied, and the case is remanded due to insufficient evidence of ankylosis or flexion limitation.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities were also denied, and the case is remanded as there is no evidence of incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not demonstrate ankylosis or flexion limitation to a degree that would warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.,There was insufficient evidence of incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome, which is required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 8520.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine, Right lower extremity lumbar spine radiculopathy, Left lower extremity lumbar spine radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 20, 2020
- Citation
- 20048427
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 20048427.
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.
- Granted
The Board has restored the Veteran's disability rating for his lumbar spine disability from 40% to 40%, effective August 31, 2020. The reduction was improper due to lack of actual improvement in the Veteran's condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine due to an inadequate VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a VA examination and another, adequate, VA addendum opinion to properly rate his lumbar spine disability due to insufficient reasoning in the August 2024 VA medical opinion.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.
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