The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected symptomatic spondylolysis at L5, currently rated as 40 percent disabling.
The deciding factor: The VA found that the veteran's condition did not warrant a higher rating based on the degree of limitation of motion and pain without evidence of significant discogenic abnormality or ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- spondylolysis at L5
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 25, 2002
- Citation
- 0215046
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0215046.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's current diagnosis of spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 is found to be the result of a condition first noted during service, specifically spondylolysis at L5. As such, the Board grants service connection for this disorder.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected spondylolysis at L5 is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional development.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an orthopedic examination and additional development of records, including those from Dr. D.M.H.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.
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