The veteran's service-connected lumbar instability with spondylolysis at L5 and degenerative disc disease was rated at 20 percent from November 21, 2002 to May 1, 2003. The appeal is denied as the disability does not warrant a higher rating under VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The veteran's low back disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on incapacitating episodes or chronic orthopedic and neurologic manifestations of intervertebral disc syndrome, leading to a denial of his claim.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar instability with spondylolysis at L5 and degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 19, 2004
- Citation
- 0428688
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 0428688.
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
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- Denied
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- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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