The Board remands the Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for intervertebral disc syndrome of the thoracolumbar spine to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
The deciding factor: The April 2024 VA examination report was found inadequate due to missing information on range of motion and flare-ups, and failure to consider the ameliorating effects of medication.
- Claimed conditions
- Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 24, 2025
- Citation
- A25037645
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD, but denied higher ratings and increased initial ratings for other conditions.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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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.