Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a higher rating for intervertebral disc syndrome and radiculopathy right lower extremity due to insufficient evidence regarding the severity of the conditions, including the ameliorative effects of medication.
The deciding factor: The RO's failure to obtain examinations that consider the ameliorative effects of medication constitutes a pre-decisional duty to assist error, which must be corrected on remand.
- Claimed conditions
- Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), to include degenerative arthritis, spinal stenosis, and bulging disc, Radiculopathy right lower extremity (RLE) sciatic nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 8, 2025
- Citation
- A25105462
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