The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome, sacroiliitis of the thoracolumbar spine, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not adequately consider whether the Veteran's lumbar disability is the functional equivalent of ankylosis or if her radiculopathy disabilities have the functional equivalent of incomplete paralysis. Further examination and consideration are needed.
- Claimed conditions
- intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), sacroiliitis of the thoracolumbar spine, left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, left lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve, right lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 12, 2022
- Citation
- 22028282
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 22028282.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for right foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is granted with an effective date of July 25, 2023.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is dismissed as it does not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date.
- Dismissed
Your initial evaluations for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve have been granted, but your appeal is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed all issues on appeal as the May 2024 rating decision was a purely ministerial implementation of the April 2024 Board decision.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for earlier effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) prior to August 8, 2024, and dependency benefits from June 1, 2025, to August 8, 2025, for the school-aged child are both denied.
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