The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine prior to August 2, 2016 is denied as his range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine from October 14, 2019 is remanded due to inadequate examination findings and further development is needed.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome remains denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5003/5242 prior to August 2, 2016.,The VA examination was inadequate as it failed to provide estimates on functional loss with flare-ups and repetitive use. Further development is needed to determine if the Veteran’s condition has worsened since the last examination.,The VA examiner found that the Veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating due to lack of evidence supporting permanent atrial fibrillation or frequent episodes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 15, 2021
- Citation
- 21022412
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 21022412.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and lumbar spine was granted with effective dates of May 13, 2019.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his lumbar spine and right hip disabilities due to a duty to assist error. The effective date for DEA benefits is granted as May 1, 2014.
- Granted
The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was diagnosed during service and has continued since then. The Board granted service connection for this condition based on continuity of symptomatology.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate examinations and the need for a retrospective opinion regarding the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disability.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.