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Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)

The Board has remanded the issues of rating excess of 20 percent for a lumbar spine disability and rating in excess of 10 percent for incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve of the right lower extremity prior to January 11, 2020. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5242.

The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a finding of forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or more, which would warrant a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Veteran's symptoms do not meet the criteria for an increased rating based on functional loss due to pain.

Claimed conditions
lumbar spine disability
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
May 5, 2021
Citation
21027336

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 21027336.

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.

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