The Board denied an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis but granted an earlier effective date for a 20 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less or favorable or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine during the appeal period, which are required to warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 30, 2025
- Citation
- 25013515
Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.