The Veteran's spondylosis and tibial stress fractures have been rated, but the Board has found that additional evidence is needed to determine if these conditions warrant higher ratings.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners did not find sufficient objective evidence of radiculopathy or other neurologic abnormalities related to the Veteran's spine condition to support a separate rating for these issues.
- Claimed conditions
- spondylosis, left tibial stress fracture, right tibial stress fracture
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 18, 2021
- Citation
- 21069261
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 21069261.
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 Veteran's claims for higher ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disorder and an incomplete record of chiropractic care. The Veteran is requested to provide or authorize VA to obtain his treatment records from chiropractors, and an addendum opinion will be provided by a VA examiner.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine discogenic disease status post surgery, spondylosis, and facet arthropathy as secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability. The SMC claim is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as spondylosis and sacroiliitis with degenerative changes, had its onset during his period of INACDUTRA. As such, service connection is granted.
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