The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability was manifested by narrowing of the disc space posteriorly between C2 and C3, C6 and C7, C5 and C6, and C7 and T1; pain; stiffness; flares; fatigue; spasm; flexion from zero to 45 degrees; extension from zero to 45 degrees; left lateral flexion from zero to 45 degrees; left lateral rotation from zero to 80 degrees. The Veteran's lumbar spine spondylolysis with anterior spondylolisthesis, status post compression fracture of L1, was manifested by bilateral spondylolysis at L5 associated with a grade I anterior spondylolisthesis and degenerative change of the L5-S1 disc; pain; tightness; paraspinal muscle spasm; stiffness; weakness; flares; fatigue; guarding; tenderness; forward flexion from zero to between 70 and 90 degrees; extension from zero to between 25 and 30 degrees; right lateral flexion from zero to between 20 and 30 degrees; left lateral flexion from zero to between 25 and 30 degrees; right lateral rotation to 30 degrees; and left lateral rotation from zero to between 20 and 30 degrees.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability was manifested by narrowing of the disc space posteriorly, but without additional limitation or functional impairment. The lumbar spine spondylolysis with anterior spondylolisthesis, status post compression fracture of L1, also had no additional limitation or functional impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Intervertebral disc space narrowing at C2-C3, C5-C6, C6-C7, and C7-T1, Lumbar spine spondylolysis with anterior spondylolisthesis, status post compression fracture of L1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 8, 2012
- Citation
- 1208875
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1208875.
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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