The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for low back degenerative arthritis is being remanded due to the need for a VA peripheral nerves examination and a supplemental opinion regarding the impact of medication on his condition.
The deciding factor: The current rating criteria do not account for the use of medication, which may ameliorate some symptoms. A comprehensive assessment including a VA peripheral nerves examination and an addendum medical opinion is necessary to determine the appropriate disability evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- low back degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 2, 2026
- Citation
- A26009121
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 A26009121.
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 Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him disabled to the extent that he requires regular aid and assistance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for various knee and back conditions, sciatica, and femoral nerve impairment, except for a 20 percent rating granted for left and right femoral nerve impairment beginning August 25, 2022.
- Granted
The veteran's service connection for a low back disorder, including degenerative arthritis and disc disease, is granted. The decision is based on the presumption of continuity of symptomatology since service.
- Partly granted
The veteran's appeal for direct payment of agent fees was granted, but the issue of whether the amount of fees awarded is reasonable was remanded.
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