The Board found that the Veteran's current spinal condition is more likely due to aging and post-service injuries, rather than service connection.
The deciding factor: The examiner concluded that the most likely etiology of the lumbar spondylosis was related to degenerative changes of aging, not service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- spondylosis of the cervical spine, spondylosis 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 14, 2015
- Citation
- 1552220
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 1552220.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal seeking an effective date prior to April 3, 2018 for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability and for eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35; a compensable rating for service-connected dry eye syndrome; and readjudication of previously denied claims of service connection for neck muscle spasms, neuropathy (claimed as deep-seated itch in the neck, shoulders, and arms), left upper extremity radiculopathy, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and spondylosis of the cervical spine, with submission of new and relevant evidence, is dismissed.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a higher initial rating of the cervical spine disability and upper extremity radiculopathies to ensure consideration of additional evidence.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for sciatic radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, effective April 2025.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a higher initial rating for cervical spine disability, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy to ensure that all relevant evidence is obtained.
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