The Board has remanded the issues of increased ratings for lumbar degenerative disc disease with IVDS and lumbosacral strain, left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, and right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy due to insufficient evidence in the July 2024 VA examination.
The deciding factor: The July 2024 VA examination was inadequate as it did not address the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disease or provide information on IVDS and prescribed bed rest episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Spine Degenerative Disc Disease (neck condition), Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease with IVDS and Lumbosacral Strain (low back condition), Left Lower Extremity Sciatic Radiculopathy, Right Lower Extremity Sciatic Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 28, 2026
- Citation
- A26039701
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 A26039701.
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 claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted, effective October 11, 2020. The TDIU award is based on the combined effects of her service-connected disabilities and their impact on her ability to maintain employment.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance at the 38 U.S.C. � 1114(n 1/2) rate, but no higher, prior to January 25, 2019 and from March 1, 2019, due to his service-connected depressive disorder alone causing him to be in need of regular aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathies, and common peroneal and superficial peroneal radiculopathies have been granted initial ratings. The Veteran's deep peroneal radiculopathy has also been granted an initial rating.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left lower extremity sciatic and femoral radiculopathy have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to February 22, 2021, or thereafter.
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