The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome with spinal stenosis and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, sciatic nerve are being remanded due to outstanding medical records and inadequate prior VA examinations.
The deciding factor: The Board notes that relevant medical treatment records are missing and the prior VA examinations did not adequately assess the Veteran's disability levels without considering the effects of medication.
- Claimed conditions
- intervertebral disc syndrome with spinal stenosis, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, sciatic nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 18, 2026
- Citation
- A26024191
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 A26024191.
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 is granted an effective date of August 12, 2011 for his entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA). The decision is based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since August 12, 2011.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for thoracolumbar degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome with spinal stenosis, finding that his current lumbar spine disability is related to in-service low back pain.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for an earlier effective date and higher initial rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity due to a duty to assist error regarding notification of the Veteran's right to a hearing.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the veteran's claims for service connection and earlier effective dates, as well as rating increases, due to procedural defects in the filing of his appeal.
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