The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected spondylosis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and epidermophytosis of the feet were denied. The VA examinations did not find any unfavorable ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome, and the Veteran's symptoms are adequately addressed by current rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations found no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome in either condition, which limits the ability to assign higher ratings based on these specific findings. The Veteran’s symptoms were also considered within the context of the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- spondylosis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, epidermophytosis of the feet
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 31, 2016
- Citation
- 1621672
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 1621672.
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 claim for service connection of left hip strain and denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for spondylosis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The current rating is maintained.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of TDIU.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and the need for additional evidence. The Veteran's service-connected conditions are considered, but his lay statements regarding needing aid and attendance are also taken into account.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have made it impossible for him to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective November 15, 2013.
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