The Board has found that new examinations are needed to properly adjudicate the claims for increased disability ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome and degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, as well as bilateral hearing loss. The updated VA treatment records need to be added to the record.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that current medical examinations are necessary due to outdated examination records and a lack of recent VA treatment records.
- Claimed conditions
- intervertebral disc syndrome, degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 21, 2023
- Citation
- 23052104
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 23052104.
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 Board has decided to remand the case due to predecisional duty-to-assist errors, including inadequate medical opinions and missed VA examinations. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition is being returned to the RO for further action.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar spine condition, including degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and lumbar hemangioma, is granted as service connected. The evidence supports the conclusion that these conditions began during her military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was granted effective May 13, 2024. The effective date is based on the date of receipt of her completed supplemental claim.
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