The Board has determined that a reduction from a 40 percent evaluation to a 10 percent evaluation for mild degenerative changes with grade I spondylolisthesis at L5/S1 was proper, but the current effective date of March 1, 2013 is maintained. The Veteran's symptomatology more nearly approximates a 20 percent evaluation from that date.
The deciding factor: The September 2012 VA examination demonstrated improved range of motion in the thoracolumbar spine, resulting in an improvement of forward flexion to 75 degrees. Considering DeLuca factors for functional impairment, the Veteran's combined range of motion was less than 120 degrees, more nearly approximating a 20 percent evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes with grade I spondylolisthesis at L5/S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- September 29, 2015
- Citation
- 1542146
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 1542146.
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
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