The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and a TDIU were denied. The spondylolisthesis was rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5239. The radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was also rated at 10 percent, as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's spondylolisthesis and radiculopathy did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under their respective diagnostic codes due to lack of limitation of motion or other disabling symptoms that would warrant a higher evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- spondylolisthesis, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 21, 2018
- Citation
- 18113289
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 18113289.
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 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.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed all service connection claims and rating determinations due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back disability and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities due to a failure to provide adequate reasons or bases in the November 2024 decision as to whether the pre-decisional duty to assist had been satisfied.
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