The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for service-connected cervical spine conditions and lumbar sprain are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and translation of records.
The deciding factor: Additional evidence suggests that the severity of the Veteran's disabilities may have worsened since the last examination, necessitating further evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine with degenerative arthritis, Right upper extremity radiculopathy associated with degenerative disc disease of cervical spine, Lumbar sprain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 10, 2023
- Citation
- 23038043
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 23038043.
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 remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error, and will require VA medical examinations to assess the nature and etiology of his back condition, neck condition, and psychiatric disorder.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for higher evaluations and service connection. Specifically, VA treatment records are missing, and a new examination is required to assess the current symptomatology of his service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial rating for a cervical spine disability is denied prior to May 24, 2019 and thereafter. A TDIU on a schedular basis from August 23, 2011 to February 20, 2015 is granted.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and physical conditions like lumbar sprain, left hip bursitis, tinnitus, and right knee condition, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU for the entire period on appeal.
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