The Veteran's spondylolisthesis at L5-S1, status post laminectomy and fusion is manifested by chronic low back pain, moderate limitation of motion, and X-ray findings of degenerative disc and joint disease. The evidence does not show severe impairment or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least four weeks during a 12-month period.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5243, which requires severe limitation of motion. The medical evidence does not show that the Veteran's lumbosacral spine is more than moderately limited in motion.
- Claimed conditions
- spondylolisthesis at L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 7, 2009
- Citation
- 0912950
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 0912950.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 with persistent back pain from February 12, 2020 is denied. The case has been remanded due to issues related to TDIU.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, but has remanded them for further development and consideration.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability, including degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis at L5-S1, is presumed to be related to service due to continuity of symptoms since service. The appeal for service connection is granted.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened, and he is now entitled to a disability rating of 20 percent for his spondylolisthesis at L5-S1. His right lower extremity radiculopathy also warrants a 40 percent disability rating. However, the TDIU claim was denied as the Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
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