The Board remands the claims for higher evaluations of lumbar spine disability and sciatica of the right leg to provide an adequate examination that considers the ameliorative effects of medication with regard to range of motion.
The deciding factor: The VA examination is inadequate as it did not consider the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability with regard to the ameliorative effects of taking medication such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen when evaluating range of motion.
- Claimed conditions
- Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease other than IVDS, associated with degenerative joint disease with patellofemoral syndrome, Sciatica of the right leg
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 3, 2025
- Citation
- A25048786
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 remands the claims for service connection for spinal stenosis, peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and foraminal stenosis based on a finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.
- Granted
The Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability since September 26, 2024.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis due to a clear and unmistakable error in a July 1981 rating decision.
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.