The veteran's lumbar spine disability, characterized by spondylolisthesis and degenerative arthritis, warrants a rating of 40 percent based on its orthopedic manifestations. Additionally, separate ratings of 10 percent are assigned for the neurologic manifestations affecting the right and left lower extremities.
The deciding factor: The veteran's lumbar spine disability resulted in limitation of forward flexion that approximated 30 degrees without ankylosis, warranting a 40 percent rating under the general formula for rating diseases and injuries of the spine. Separate ratings of 10 percent were assigned for mild incomplete paralysis of the right and left sciatic nerves.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine spondylolisthesis with degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- October 27, 2008
- Citation
- 0836790
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 0836790.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal regarding higher evaluations for his lumbar spine disability and sciatic nerve radiculopathies in the lower extremities was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating higher than 40 percent for right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy from May 2, 2023, or any other issues raised.
- Granted
The Veteran's TDIU claim for prior to November 14, 2017 is granted. The remaining issues of increased ratings for lumbar spine condition and lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of updated treatment records and an incomplete VA examination. The Veteran's service-connected low back disability needs further evaluation.
- Granted
The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's low back disability from December 19, 2016 to April 18, 2017. The effective date of this decision is April 18, 2017.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.