The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease (IVDS) and facet joint arthritis is rated at 40 percent, but the Board has found additional evidence necessary to determine if a higher rating is warranted. The Veteran also has left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve which is currently rated at 20 percent; the Board has determined that a remand is needed for an addendum opinion regarding its severity.
The deciding factor: The Board found additional evidence necessary to determine if higher ratings are warranted due to flare-ups and functional equivalence of ankylosis, as well as the need for clarification on the severity of the Veteran's lower left sciatic nerve neuropathy.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease (IVDS) and facet joint arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 19, 2023
- Citation
- 23017015
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 23017015.
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
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- Denied
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- Denied
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- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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