The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative disk disease of lumbar spine, L5-S1 prior to May 18, 2021 and a rating in excess of 20 percent on and after that date. The issues of service connection for neurological residuals in the lower extremities, tailbone disability, and entitlement to TDIU were remanded.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a higher rating due to limited forward flexion and lack of ankylosis or other severe symptoms, and further development was needed regarding the current status of any neurological residuals in the lower extremities and whether there is a separate tailbone disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disk disease of lumbar spine (L5-S1), Neurological residuals in the lower extremities, Tailbone disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 12, 2022
- Citation
- 22001687
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.
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