The Veteran's low back disabilities, specifically spondylolisthesis and lumbar degenerative changes, have been rated at the maximum schedular disability rating of 40 percent for the entire initial rating period on appeal.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations conducted throughout the appeal period consistently showed painful limitation of motion of the lumbar spine with flare-ups resulting in forward flexion of 30 degrees or less, without unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine or incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- spondylolisthesis, lumbar degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 11, 2017
- Citation
- 1716044
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 1716044.
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 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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a back condition, including spondylolisthesis, as the evidence did not show permanent aggravation of the preexisting condition during service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for his back disability is being reviewed.
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