The Veteran's grade I lytic spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 level with severe bilateral foraminal stenosis is rated as 20 percent disabling under the criteria for IVDS. The Board finds that a rating of 40 percent is warranted based on incapacitating episodes, and no higher.
The deciding factor: The Veteran experienced incapacitating periods due to Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) that required physician-prescribed bed rest having a total duration of at least four weeks in the past 12 months. The Board found this met the criteria for a 40 percent rating under the Formula for Rating IVDS.
- Claimed conditions
- grade I lytic spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 level with severe bilateral foraminal stenosis, Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 23, 2017
- Citation
- 1723774
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 1723774.
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 an effective date of August 7, 2023 for the grant of service connection for Degenerative Disc Disease and Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also claimed as a back condition), and bilateral lower extremity sciatic neuropathy.
- Dismissed
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- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his low back disability is denied. The effective date of SMC and DEA benefits based on permanent and total disability status is granted.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of TDIU was denied as there were no unadjudicated claims for TDIU prior to April 28, 2023. The current effective date is the earliest possible based on the schedular criteria.
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