The Veteran's service-connected spondylosis with disc space narrowing of the lumbar spine has been rated as noncompensable since November 17, 2003. The current rating is based on pain and decreased range of motion, which are deducted from the pre-aggravation baseline level of disability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected spondylosis with disc space narrowing of the lumbar spine does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as his combined range of spinal motion is no less than 150 degrees and any additional limitation due to pain, weakness, lack of endurance, fatigability, or flare-ups has been attributed to morbid obesity.
- Claimed conditions
- spondylosis, disc space narrowing
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 22, 2015
- Citation
- 1531323
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 1531323.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disorder and an incomplete record of chiropractic care. The Veteran is requested to provide or authorize VA to obtain his treatment records from chiropractors, and an addendum opinion will be provided by a VA examiner.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine discogenic disease status post surgery, spondylosis, and facet arthropathy as secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability. The SMC claim is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with bulging disc L4-5 with decreased range of motion of the lumbosacral spine was dismissed. The Board also remanded her service connection claim for disc space narrowing and degenerative endplate spurring at C6/C7.
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