The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine was denied as there is no evidence showing ankylosis, incapacitating episodes, or other factors warranting a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s range of motion did not meet criteria for higher ratings based on limitation of motion. There were no findings indicating ankylosis, and the Veteran had normal neurological examination results.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 5, 2012
- Citation
- 1241582
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 1241582.
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: Denied
The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating due to lack of incapacitating episodes and limitation of motion.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination and opinion to determine the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disability, including any related radiculopathy. The examiner should also assess the impact of the Veteran's diminished reflexes and muscle strength on his ability to work or maintain his home.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for the lumbar spine disability and assigned an initial rating of 20 percent, effective December 6, 2004. The veteran's claims for service connection for hypercholesterolemia and coronary artery disease were denied.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for Paget's disease of the left knee and degenerative disc and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, finding no evidence of a nexus to service or service-connected conditions.
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