The Board has denied a higher rating for the appellant's service-connected lumbar spine disability prior to May 4, 2021 and from May 4, 2021. The issues of service connection for left arm disability, hypertension, heart disorder, and TDIU are remanded due to need for further development.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a finding that the appellant met or more nearly approximated the criteria for a higher rating prior to May 4, 2021. The lumbar spine disability has not been manifested by ankylosis at any time during the period on appeal.
- Claimed conditions
- multilevel degenerative changes of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 13, 2023
- Citation
- 23014904
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 23014904.
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
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability based on the evidence of record.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's TDIU claim for service-connected disabilities is granted, and his increased rating claim for the lumbar spine disability prior to May 4, 2021, is remanded.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent prior to June 18, 2014, in excess of 20 percent from June 18, 2014 to April 26, 2017, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter for multilevel degenerative changes of the lumbar spine.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's back disorder, diagnosed as multilevel degenerative changes of the lumbar spine status post lumbar fusion, is etiologically related to in-service injuries consistent with his combat service in Southwest Asia. As a result, the Board has granted service connection for this condition.
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