The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome at L4, spondylolisthesis L5-S1, residuals of a back injury and associated neurological disorders was denied. He is currently rated as 20 percent disabled for the right lower extremity condition from May 24, 2017.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion did not meet the criteria for higher ratings due to his significant flexion and lack of incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- intervertebral disc syndrome at L4, spondylolisthesis L5-S1, residuals of a back injury, neurological disorder of the right lower extremity, neurological disorder of the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 25, 2018
- Citation
- 18144146
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 18144146.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for residuals of a back injury, head injury, and neck injury as the evidence did not support that these injuries occurred during or while traveling from active duty.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for a neurological disorder of the left lower extremity to obtain additional evidence and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Denied
The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for residuals of a back injury and an effective date earlier than May 26, 2023, for the award of service connection for residuals of a back injury.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraines and residuals of a back injury due to untimely notice of disagreement.
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