The VA denied the veteran's claim for a disability evaluation in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected spondylosis at L5/S1, finding that the condition is principally manifested by severe constant pain with intermittent muscle spasm and severe limitation of motion.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the veteran's spondylosis at L5/S1 does not meet the criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of 40 percent due to its principal manifestations being severe constant pain, intermittent muscle spasms, and severe limitation of motion without pronounced intervertebral disc disease or incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- spondylolysis, degenerative arthritis of the L5/S1 joints
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 16, 2003
- Citation
- 0307309
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,177 · Granted: 24% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 0307309.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's spondylolysis was granted a 40 percent rating from November 25, 2013 to October 26, 2023. The condition resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine being limited to 20 degrees during use over time.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's attorney has withdrawn the appeal, and thus the claims for increased ratings are dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a VA examination and additional evidence development to determine if there is a nexus between any lower back disability and the Veteran's active service.
- Denied
Service connection for sleep apnea was denied because the evidence did not show a relationship to service. An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for spondylolysis was also denied.
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