The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to June 16, 2014, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter for degenerative disc disease (DDD) with lumbosacral strain, to include intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), as well as his claim for a separate compensable rating for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve. The Veteran's entitlement to a TDIU has also been raised and is being remanded.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations provided were inadequate, requiring additional retrospective opinions on the Veteran's conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD) with lumbosacral strain, Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), Bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 9, 2023
- Citation
- 23027367
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 23027367.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) is being remanded due to an error in the initial decision process. The AOJ needs to provide notice of his right to a hearing before issuing a final decision.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the claims for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability and whether proposed reductions in ratings for service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremities were proper. The appeals are dismissed.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at a 40 percent evaluation, effective from the date of the May 2013 rating decision.
- Granted
The Veteran's back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted increased ratings, with the effective date set at February 19, 2021.
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