The Veteran's spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine at L5-S1 is not manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or IDS with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months. Therefore, his claim for a higher rating is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's spondylolisthesis and degenerative disk disease do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or the Formula for Rating IDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine at L5-S1, degenerative disk disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 28, 2013
- Citation
- 1302997
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 1302997.
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 has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar strain to include thoracolumbar and lumbosacral strain, cervical spine condition, spondylosis, degenerative disk disease, and radiculopathy (spine disabilities). The Board found that these conditions are related to the Veteran's injury during his active duty.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the service connection claim for mid-lower back pain and degenerative disk disease due to a need for an examination to determine the etiology of the disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for low back disability and left lower extremity sciatica were denied. The case was remanded for further review.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error regarding the Veteran's back disability. A VA examination is needed to determine if his current back disabilities are caused by an injury during inactive duty for training in September 1978, and whether they are aggravated by his service-connected amputation of the right leg.
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.