The Board found that the Veteran's character of discharge from Marine Corps Reserve service was under dishonorable conditions, resulting in a bar to VA benefits for the period ending on or about January 10, 1996. The claim for service connection for thoracolumbar DDD with left lower extremity radiculopathy and symptoms of right lower extremity radiation without sensory-neuro deficits was denied as there is no direct evidence linking these conditions to service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's conduct in the Marine Corps Reserve constituted willful and persistent misconduct, resulting in a discharge under other than honorable conditions. The claim for service connection was denied because there was no direct evidence linking the current disabilities to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) with left lower extremity radiculopathy and symptoms of right lower extremity radiation without sensory-neuro deficits
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 28, 2016
- Citation
- 1625779
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 1625779.
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).
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