The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, as the evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less; ankylosis of the spine or its functional equivalent; or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks during a 12-month period.

The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating as it did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, ankylosis, or incapacitating episodes.

Claimed conditions

stable grade 1 L4-L5 anterolisthesis without evidence of dynamic instability with severe degenerative disc disease at L4-L5 and L5-S1

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

February 26, 2025

Citation

25002772

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