The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome, bilateral hip disabilities (right and left), limitation of extension, and TDIU. The reasons include the need to consider the ameliorative effects of medications used by the Veteran.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the rating criteria do not specifically contemplate the effects of medication, which may affect the severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome, right hip arthritis, limitation of flexion, left hip arthritis, limitation of flexion, right hip arthritis, painful adduction with limited rotation and abduction, left hip arthritis, painful adduction with limited rotation and abduction, right hip arthritis, limitation of extension, left hip arthritis, limitation of extension
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 22, 2026
- Citation
- 26000892
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 26000892.
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
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination. The issue at hand is whether the Veteran should receive an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for his major depressive disorder associated with lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome.
- Partly granted
The Veteran was granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, SMC at the M level based on loss of use of the lower extremities, and SMC at the O level based on the award of SMC L and SMC M. The claim for SMC based on housebound status was dismissed as moot.
- Partly granted
The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of right and left lower extremity radiculopathy was dismissed. The claims for higher ratings for several conditions were remanded. An effective date of September 5, 2019, for TDIU and DEA benefits was granted.
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