The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated as 40 percent disabling, but the Board finds no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes meeting criteria for a higher rating. The scar associated with the lumbar spine disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The Veteran seeks service connection for right and left knee disabilities, which are currently not in dispute. However, VA treatment records related to these conditions have not been obtained. The Board must therefore remand to obtain these records.,Radiculopathy of the lower extremities is rated at 20 percent each, with no evidence of higher ratings. Separate ratings for other disabilities associated with the knee are also not warranted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability does not meet criteria for a higher rating due to lack of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.,VA treatment records related to the Veteran's bilateral knee replacement and any related procedures have not been obtained, which is necessary to determine if service connection can be granted.,Radiculopathy of the lower extremities does not meet criteria for higher ratings as there is no evidence of moderate incomplete paralysis.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, left knee disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 25, 2024
- Citation
- A24014108
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 A24014108.
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
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess his bilateral knee and hip disabilities.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient rationale in the July 2012 VA examination for the Veteran's left knee disability, and a new addendum opinion is needed.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims for miscarriage, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and right elbow disability due to insufficient examination opinions and incomplete service history verification.
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