The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on his service-connected spinal concussion and radiculopathies of the lower extremities are remanded. The Board also finds that a right hip disability may be related to his service-connected disabilities, but further examination is needed to confirm this.
The deciding factor: The Veteran testified about worsening symptoms including pain in his back and legs which affect his ability to walk and work, suggesting possible intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS). His right hip disability was not confirmed with a medical diagnosis. The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities may be related to his right hip disability but further examination is needed.
- Claimed conditions
- Spinal Concussion, Radiculopathy of the Left Lower Extremity, Radiculopathy of the Right Lower Extremity, Right Hip Disability
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 5, 2021
- Citation
- 21067717
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 21067717.
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.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for the claimed conditions as there is no persuasive evidence of current diagnoses or in-service incurrence or aggravation.
- Denied
The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's right hip disability, finding that her current 10 percent rating adequately reflects her symptoms and limitations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right hip disability, which may be related to service or secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for both a right hip disability and a left hip disability, finding that the Veteran's observable symptoms of pain and stiffness began during his active service and have persisted.
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