The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical spine intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) due to inadequate examination evidence. A new VA disability examination is required.
The deciding factor: The February 2019 VA disability examination was found to be inadequate as it did not provide an opinion on additional loss of motion due to flare-ups, which could affect the severity assessment of the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine IVDS.
- Claimed conditions
- cervical spine intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 1, 2021
- Citation
- A21017582
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 A21017582.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and an earlier effective date for his service-connected cervical spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for cervical spine intervertebral disc syndrome and associated left and right cervical radiculopathy, but remanded claims related to a disability rating for chronic lumbosacral strain and bilateral ankle conditions.
- Partly granted
The veteran's increased rating for right upper extremity radiculopathy to 70% and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance were granted. Other issues related to muscle and shoulder disabilities, as well as cervical spine disability, were remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded the veteran's claims for higher disability ratings and an earlier effective date due to inadequate examinations and opinions.
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