The Veteran's back disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, and left ankle disability are all being remanded for further review due to the need for additional evidence or clarification.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations provided were less comprehensive than previous ones, leading to a reduction in ratings that may not accurately reflect current functional impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Disc and degenerative changes of the lumbar spine (back disability), Otitis externa, Degenerative joint disease of the left ankle (left ankle disability)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 5, 2023
- Citation
- 23020996
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 23020996.
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: Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and remanded the claims for service connection for gastrointestinal problems, a multiple joint arthritis disability, otitis externa, and an initial compensable rating for a headache disability.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding hearing loss, increased ratings for tinnitus, otitis externa, and hemorrhoids. The Veteran was granted service connection for a right shoulder disorder.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right eye disability (optic atrophy) is granted service connection, while his otitis externa does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's positional vertigo is secondary to his service-connected otitis externa. The Veteran must provide updated VA treatment records and any private medical opinion from Dr. S.
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