The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy is denied as the evidence does not support a finding of more than moderate incomplete paralysis.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine strain with degenerative arthritis and low back pain are remanded due to inadequate consideration of all symptomology in prior VA examinations.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right arm disability is remanded as the medical opinion did not address whether any diagnosed conditions are related to service or secondary to a service-connected condition.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a finding of more than moderate incomplete paralysis, which is the most probative level of impairment.,The prior VA examinations did not adequately consider all symptomology associated with the Veteran's cervical spine and low back disabilities, including flare-ups that cause missing work.,The medical opinion did not address whether any diagnosed right upper extremity disability is related to service or secondary to a service-connected condition.
- Claimed conditions
- left upper extremity radiculopathy, low back pain, right arm disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 12, 2026
- Citation
- A26002606
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 A26002606.
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 claim for service connection of a low back disability was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claim is denied as there is no evidence that the current condition is related to service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for heart disease, hypertension, kidney disease, and low back pain due to potential errors in duty to assist. The AOJ is required to verify the Veteran's alleged exposure to herbicide agents and obtain private treatment records.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's TDIU and DEA claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence for a schedular rating, and the issues are inextricably intertwined.
- Dismissed
The appeal seeking to establish entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) is dismissed because the AOJ decision was merely implementing a Board's earlier effective date decision for service connection.
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