The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted. The Board has also remanded the cases for increased rating examinations.
The deciding factor: The Veteran testified that his service-connected lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis and IVDS, as well as bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, have caused him to be bed-bound most of the day due to pain and required assistance in daily activities. The Board finds a need for an updated examination given the fourteen-year interval since the last examination.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis and IVDS, right lower radiculopathy, left lower radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 27, 2026
- Citation
- A26007268
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 A26007268.
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 has granted service connection for right upper radiculopathy and left upper radiculopathy, but denied service connection for right lower radiculopathy and left lower radiculopathy as secondary to a thoracolumbar spine condition.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected orthopedic disabilities necessitate the need for aid and assistance of another to care for herself or protect her from daily environment hazards.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for her knee conditions and TDIU have been dismissed as she has withdrawn them. The Board finds that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to her service-connected disabilities from May 10, 2010.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating and TDIU was granted in the February 2024 decision, with a 30% rating assigned for right lower radiculopathy. The appellant is eligible to attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.