The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for lumbar degenerative disc disease with spondylolisthesis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any time during the appeal period.,For the period prior to December 2, 2010, the disability was rated as 20 percent disabling and for the period from December 2, 2010, it was rated as 40 percent disabling.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease with spondylolisthesis warranted a higher rating based on limitation of motion or incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 12, 2016
- Citation
- 1640449
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 1640449.
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 Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to August 14, 2023.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the evidence supports a link between these conditions and the Veteran's active duty service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error and the need for additional medical evidence. The Veteran's lower back disability, including lumbar strain and spondylolisthesis, is being reviewed again.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for migraines, lumbar degenerative disc disease with associated lower extremity radiculopathy, and right and left lower extremity radiculopathy. Service connection is denied for left hip strain and right hip strain.
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