The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new one must be conducted.
The deciding factor: The January 2020 VA examination is based on inaccurate factual premises and lacks probative value.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar degenerative disc disease with strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 25, 2024
- Citation
- A24041184
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 A24041184.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right shoulder tendonitis, cervical strain, chondromalacia patella right knee, lumbar degenerative disc disease with strain, episodes of locking left knee, left knee degenerative joint disease with patellofemoral pain syndrome and chondromalacia patella status-post surgery, and limitation of extension left knee, have rendered the Veteran unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since May 15, 2019.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for lumbar degenerative disc disease with strain, left knee arthritis, and left ankle arthritis due to inadequate examinations that did not address flare-ups of the disabilities.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for recurrent left ear infections was denied. His PTSD received a 30% initial evaluation, which is granted. The claims for hemorrhoids and lumbar degenerative disc disease with strain (back disability) are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's ratings for his lumbar spine, left knee, and left ankle disabilities are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.