The Board has denied a higher initial rating for the lumbar spine DDD and remanded the issue of service connection for a bilateral hip disability, including as secondary to the service-connected lumbar spine DDD.
The deciding factor: The decision was based on the lack of favorable or unfavorable ankylosis in the thoracolumbar spine during the period from September 14, 2010 to June 13, 2016 for the lumbar spine DDD. The bilateral hip disability issue is remanded due to insufficient secondary service connection opinion.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative disc disease (DDD), bilateral hip disability
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 1, 2021
- Citation
- 21011419
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 21011419.
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 Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and DDD, as well as right and left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to the now service-connected lumbar spine condition. The decision is based on a finding of relative equipoise in the evidence regarding whether these conditions are related to service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examination opinions and a failure to provide a VA examination for sleep apnea.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal concerning the service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral ankle, hip, shoulder, and knee disabilities, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder and heat sensitivity.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his claims.
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