The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for lumbar spondylosis L5 with spondylolisthesis at L5-S1, currently rated as 20 percent disabling, has been denied. The VA examiner found no evidence of unfavorable or favorable ankylosis and noted that the Veteran’s forward flexion was within normal limits.
The deciding factor: The VA examination did not find any objective evidence of unfavorable or favorable ankylosis, and the Veteran's forward flexion was within normal limits (0 to 90 degrees).
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spondylosis L5 with spondylolisthesis at L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 25, 2019
- Citation
- 19106430
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded two issues: 1) the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbar spondylosis L5 with spondylolisthesis at L5-S1, and 2) his claim for a higher rating for bilateral flat feet and posterior calcaneal spurs. The reasons given are that the VA examiner did not discuss functional loss due to intermittent pain, and the Board's discussion of functional loss was inadequate.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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