The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for chronic back pain with spondylolisthesis L5-S1, status post fusion was granted. The claims for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy were also granted effective July 8, 2009. A separate compensable disability rating of 40 percent was assigned for painful scars from June 10, 2010 onwards.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's chronic back pain with spondylolisthesis L5-S1, status post fusion met the criteria for a 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5241 due to forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine being 30 degrees or less.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic back pain with spondylolisthesis L5-S1, status post fusion, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, painful scars
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 25, 2013
- Citation
- 1320470
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 1320470.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines was reopened due to new evidence. Service connection is granted for painful scars, but the rating assigned remains at 10 percent. The claims for fibromyalgia and bilateral shoulder disability are denied.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The issues related to service connection for various conditions and disability ratings.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy and denied the claims for right knee disability, erectile dysfunction, GERD, sleep apnea, and hypertension. The decision is remanded for further action on these issues.
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