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Whole decision: Denied

The Veteran's degenerative disc degeneration at L4-5 and L3-4 with spinal stenosis has not met the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent since June 20, 2007.

The deciding factor: The evidence does not show that the Veteran's disability resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 61 degrees; or, a combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 121 degrees; or, muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis; or by incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 2 weeks but less than 4 weeks during the past 12 months.

Claimed conditions
Degenerative disc degeneration at L4-5 and L3-4 with spinal stenosis
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
October 16, 2012
Citation
1235695

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 1235695.

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.

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