The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, including degenerative disc disease and spondylolithesis, does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent. The radiculopathy associated with this condition has been granted but is rated at 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's combined limitation of motion of the thoracolumbar spine was found to be less than 120 degrees, and his forward flexion was within normal limits. His radiculopathy did not meet criteria for more severe paralysis.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease, spondylolithesis of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 19, 2010
- Citation
- 1014744
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 1014744.
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.
- Granted
The Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability since September 26, 2024.
- Dismissed
The appeal to reopen the previous denial of service connection for lumbosacral strain is dismissed as the benefit sought has been fully granted.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, lumbosacral strain, and spinal stenosis based on the Veteran's in-service back injury and chronicity of symptoms.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease, finding that the evidence is at least equally balanced in favor of a relationship to an in-service motor vehicle accident.
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