The Veteran's service-connected cervical sprain, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and major depressive disorder are being remanded for additional examinations to assess their current severity. The Veteran's Bell's Palsy is also being remanded for a new examination to determine the nature and extent of his residuals.
The deciding factor: The Board finds that updated examinations are warranted as the most recent VA examinations are remote in time from the date of appeal, indicating possible worsening of the Veteran's service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Sprain, Radiculopathy of the Right Lower Extremity, Radiculopathy of the Left Lower Extremity, Major Depressive Disorder, Bell's Palsy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 22, 2022
- Citation
- 22010037
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 22010037.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a 70 percent disability rating for his psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with MDD and anxiety, has been granted. However, the issue of entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is remanded due to procedural issues.
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