The Board remands the claims for an increased rating for the Veteran's service-connected back and IVDS disability, as well as GAD, due to an inadequate VA examination.
The deciding factor: The March 2024 VA back examination was found to be inadequate because it did not address the Veteran's lay statements regarding pain during flare-ups and did not provide a basis for the finding of no lost range of motion during flare-ups. The May 2024 VA mental health examination for GAD was also deemed inadequate as it did not consider evidence since the February 2024 new claim.
- Claimed conditions
- service-connected spinal stenosis with degenerative arthritis (back) and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), general anxiety disorder (GAD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 5, 2025
- Citation
- A25040908
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other mental health conditions. The Veteran's stressor remains unverified.
- 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.