The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for residuals of a back scar, a rating in excess of 20 percent for IVDS, and service connection for LUE PN have been denied.,Additional development is needed to address the severity of LLE radiculopathy and the etiology of sleep apnea secondary to a deviated septum.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support higher ratings based on the size or nature of the Veteran's back scar, IVDS, or LUE PN.,Additional development is needed as the Veteran reported worsening symptoms and there are conflicting diagnoses in the record regarding sleep apnea secondary to a deviated septum.
- Claimed conditions
- Back Scar, Invertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS), Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) of the Left Upper Extremity (LUE)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 31, 2022
- Citation
- 22060860
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 22060860.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in notification and medical opinion, which may affect eligibility for benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).
- Partly granted
The Board denied an increased rating for atrial flutter and granted service connection for a back scar, but remanded the claim for a skin condition manifested as lipomas.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and a higher initial rating for his service-connected back scar. The Board found that the evidence did not support assigning an earlier effective date or a higher initial rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination of his lumbar conditions, including radiculopathy. The TDIU claim prior to May 26, 2021, remains on hold as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claims.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.