The VA has determined that the veteran's degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine does not warrant a rating higher than the current 20 percent, based on his symptoms and functional limitations.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not demonstrate recurrent attacks with intermittent relief required for a higher rating under the new criteria set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, DC 5293 (effective September 23, 2002).
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with spondylolisthesis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 8, 2003
- Citation
- 0319602
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 0319602.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claim for a VA examination due to concerns about the accuracy of the previous examination report, specifically regarding the use of a goniometer.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and his urinary incontinence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 50 percent from October 1, 2011. The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues with his TDIU claim and the need for additional evidence regarding his low back disability.
- Denied
The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with spondylolisthesis is rated at 10 percent prior to October 30, 2016 and at 40 percent thereafter. The Veteran's bilateral knee conditions are each rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran’s degenerative joint disease of the left knee is rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran’s degenerative joint disease of the right knee is rated at 10 percent.
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