The Board found that the veteran's low back disability, which included L5-S1 spondylolysis and L4-5 degenerative disc disease, did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to September 26, 2003. The evidence showed no more than slight limitation of motion with subjective complaints of pain.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the veteran's symptoms were consistent with mild limitation of motion and no additional neurological manifestations or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).
- Claimed conditions
- L5-S1 spondylolysis, L4-5 degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 27, 2008
- Citation
- 0806656
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 0806656.
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 L4-5 degenerative disc disease is granted an initial rating of 20 percent effective January 11, 2016. Service connection for right knee osteoarthritis and thrombocytopenia are granted. The left knee disability and bilateral ankle disabilities are denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's chronic low back pain was granted a rating of 20 percent prior to May 25, 2013. A higher rating is denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of her service-connected low back disability is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling an appropriate VA examination.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate examinations to assess her service-connected disabilities. The issue of TDIU will also be addressed.
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