The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his low back disability and radiculopathy was denied. The Board found that the current rating of 40 percent for his low back disability is appropriate, as there is no evidence of ankylosis. For his right lower extremity radiculopathy, a 10 percent rating has been granted since August 1, 2014 to September 16, 2021. The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy was rated at 10 percent for the entire appeal period.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s low back disability did not meet criteria for ankylosis and therefore a higher rating is not warranted.
- Claimed conditions
- spondylosis of L4, anterolisthesis of L4 on L5, facet syndrome of the lumber spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 14, 2022
- Citation
- 22034566
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 22034566.
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: Granted
This decision grants an earlier effective date of August 1, 2014 for a 40% rating for spondylolysis of L4, anterolisthesis of L4 on L5 and facet syndrome of the lumbar spine. The Veteran's claim is also granted for an earlier effective date of August 1, 2014 for a 30% rating for pes planus.,An earlier effective date of October 12, 2016 was denied for the assignment of a 30% rating for pes planus.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The veteran's low back disability, including scoliosis, anterolisthesis, and degenerative changes, has worsened. The case is remanded for further examination to determine the appropriate rating.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
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