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 assigned
- 0%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1531323.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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