The Veteran's degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating as they did not meet the criteria for ankylosis or IVDS. For TDIU, the Veteran's combined disability rating was 70 percent due to OSA and other service-connected conditions, but he could still secure and follow substantially gainful employment given his education, work history, and current functional limitations.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it did not result in ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) that would warrant a higher schedular rating. For TDIU, his combined disability rating was 70 percent due to obstructive sleep apnea and other service-connected conditions, but he could still secure and follow substantially gainful employment given his education, work history, and current functional limitations.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 2, 2024
- Citation
- A24079436
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 A24079436.
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