The Board has denied increased ratings for the Veteran's chronic lumbar strain and lower extremity radiculopathy. The case is being remanded to consider the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support an increase in the Veteran's ratings, as there is no indication of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic lumbar strain, Left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), Right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 2, 2021
- Citation
- 21072309
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 21072309.
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.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals pertaining to effective dates for increased ratings of chronic lumbar strain and LLE radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran did not properly opt into the AMA system.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating higher than 20 percent for chronic lumbar strain, and denied other claims.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and effective dates was denied. The decision specifically addressed the issue of an increased rating for PTSD, which was found not to meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for initial disability ratings in excess of 20 percent for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) due to inadequate examination findings.
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