The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his degenerative joint disease of lumbar spine and total disability due to individual unemployability.,The AOJ is required to obtain up-to-date VA treatment records, a retrospective medical opinion regarding flare-ups, a new VA examination addressing loss of range of motion over time, and refer the TDIU claim prior to July 21, 2014 for extraschedular consideration.
The deciding factor: The Board found insufficient evidence in the current record to determine if increased functional impairment due to pain, repeated use, or other presentations during flare-ups more nearly approximated a higher rating for the Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of lumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of Lumbar Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 23, 2021
- Citation
- 21070310
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 21070310.
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.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and left leg radiculopathy have been granted a 40 percent rating. However, his right leg radiculopathy and left leg radiculopathy are remanded for further review.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and lumbar spine conditions, have rendered him permanently housebound since April 7, 2018. The Board has granted an effective date of April 7, 2018 for SMC based on his housebound status.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for clarification regarding whether his symptoms manifest as unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or the entire spine, and when these symptoms manifested.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are each rated at 20 percent, but the Board found they do not warrant higher ratings based on the criteria provided.
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