The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine with bulging disc L5-S1 and intervertebral disc syndrome, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity require further examination to assess their current severity. Additionally, his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded due to the need for information regarding his employment status.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's testimony indicated that his service-connected disabilities have worsened since his last VA examinations and are impacting his ability to work. The Board finds it necessary to reassess these conditions before making a decision on their increased ratings and TDIU claims.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine with bulging disc L5-S1 and intervertebral disc syndrome, Radiculopathy, left lower extremity, Radiculopathy, right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 20, 2023
- Citation
- 23051848
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 23051848.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the appeal for an increased rating is denied. The Veteran's degenerative osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy, right lower extremity, diabetic nephropathy chronic kidney disease, right great toe bunion and gout, and TDIU are all granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service connected thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy of the right upper and lower extremities, and radiculopathy of the left upper and lower extremities are all remanded for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for an increased initial rating for a low back disability and radiculopathy, right and left lower extremities due to a need for additional evidence.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection for SLAP tear, right upper extremity and denied service connection for radiculopathy, left lower extremity. Service connection was granted for radiculopathy, right lower extremity effective September 13, 2021.
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