The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and evaluation due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The appellant's lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy are all rated at 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The Board found that an adequate examination must be obtained to determine the severity of the appellant's lumbar spine and radiculopathy disabilities without considering the ameliorating effects of medication.
- Claimed conditions
- intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis of the spine status post spinal fusion at L4-5, L5-S1 (lumbar spine disability), right lower extremity (RLE) radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, left lower extremity (LLE) radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 26, 2026
- Citation
- A26027731
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 A26027731.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, and to obtain outstanding private treatment records. The issues of TDIU are also being remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following substantial gainful employment since January 1, 2017.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matter for additional evidence and an addendum VA examination to address the severity of the sciatic nerve and whether a separate rating is warranted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU due to insufficient evidence regarding the severity of the Veteran's cervical spine, lumbar spine, and lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities.
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.