The appeal is remanded for a further lumbar spine examination to address the deficiencies in the previous examination and to provide an opinion on any incapacitating episodes due to IVDS during the appeal period.
The deciding factor: The February 2023 VA examination did not meet all requirements, specifically regarding range of motion measurements with weight bearing and non-weight bearing, and there were inconsistencies regarding possible incapacitating episodes related to IVDS.
- Claimed conditions
- posterior inferior aspect of the L4 spinous process fracture with lumbosacral strain, Scheuermann's disease thoracic spine, spinal stenosis and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) (lumbar spine disability)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 19, 2025
- Citation
- A25025159
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
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.