The Veteran's low back disability, characterized as history of spondylolysis, L5, with mechanical low back pain, was rated at 20 percent prior to September 26, 2003. Since then, the medical evidence does not show any forward flexion findings of the thoracolumbar spine that are 30 degrees or less, any objective compensable neurological manifestations associated with his service-connected low back disability, or any ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under former Diagnostic Code 5292 and there was no evidence of severe limitation of motion as defined by the revised criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- History of spondylolysis, L5
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 15, 2009
- Citation
- 0922443
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 0922443.
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).
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