The Board remands the claim for a rating greater than 10 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with degenerative arthritis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and sequelae L4-L5 fusion and bilateral laminectomy to cure a duty to assist error.
The deciding factor: A remand is necessary to determine the severity of the Veteran's back disability symptoms while discounting the ameliorative effects of medication.
- Claimed conditions
- Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with degenerative arthritis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and sequelae L4-L5 fusion and bilateral laminectomy
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 24, 2025
- Citation
- A25054429
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 Board granted earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection and ratings, including IVDS with degenerative arthritis, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, major depressive disorder (MDD), and eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).
- Partly granted
The Board denied higher ratings for several service-connected conditions but granted a 20 percent rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity.
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.