The Veteran's thoracolumbar strain and cervical strain status post fusion C5-C6 have been rated at various levels, but the current ratings do not reflect the severity of his symptoms. The Board finds that further medical development is needed to determine the appropriate rating.,The Veteran contends that his disabilities are more severe than currently reflected in the ratings.
The deciding factor: Further medical examination and evaluation are necessary to accurately assess the current severity of the Veteran's thoracolumbar strain and cervical strain status post fusion C5-C6, as well as any functional loss due to pain or flare-ups.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar strain, Cervical strain status post fusion C5-C6
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 15, 2023
- Citation
- 23061174
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 23061174.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted the appellant's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including cervical strain, elbow and knee conditions, radiculopathy of upper and lower extremities, thoracolumbar strain, and GERD. The effective date is set at September 13, 2023.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because the Board Appeal request was not timely filed with respect to the rating decision issued on October 21, 2021.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous instructions. The Veteran's thoracolumbar strain and degenerative arthritis, cervical strain, and LLE radiculopathy cases are still pending for higher evaluations.
- Granted
The Board has granted a 50 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar strain, effective from January 24, 2014. The decision is based on evidence of functional equivalent to unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
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