The Board has remanded two issues: the initial rating for a lumbar disorder and the initial rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy. The remand is due to inconsistencies in the VA examination report, particularly regarding range of motion during flare-ups.
The deciding factor: The VA examination findings are inconsistent with other relevant evidence, including the Veteran's self-reported symptoms and limitations.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar disorder, right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 15, 2026
- Citation
- A26035291
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 A26035291.
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 Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and a pre-decisional duty to assist error. Additional development is needed for service connection of carpal tunnel syndrome, increased ratings for lower extremity radiculopathies, and obtaining a VA TERA opinion.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with IVDS and associated radiculopathies of the left and right lower extremities are granted at a 40 percent rating prior to December 27, 2023, and denied for ratings in excess of this level from that date.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus. The Veteran's lumbar disorder and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are now secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. However, the Board finds that he may be entitled to service connection for a lumbar disorder and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy as due to his bilateral pes planus. The case is remanded for further action.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for service-connected left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to a scheduling error.
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