The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected low back condition is well-grounded and VA has satisfied its duty to assist in developing facts pertinent to this claim. The current disability rating of 20 percent, which includes a combination of a 10 percent rating for vertebral deformity due to avulsion fracture at L4-5 and a 10 percent rating for slight limitation of motion of the lumbar spine, is appropriate given the veteran's functional impairment.
The deciding factor: The current disability rating adequately compensates the veteran for his service-connected low back condition, as it reflects slight impairment of the lumbar spine due to limited range of motion and vertebral deformity. The veteran's complaints of increased pain do not warrant a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5293.
- Claimed conditions
- avulsion fracture at L4-5, fractured coccyx
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 9, 2000
- Citation
- 0003259
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 0003259.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher disability rating and an earlier effective date, as well as remanded her claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied service connection for residuals of a fractured coccyx and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than OCD. The low back disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and right hip disability claims are remanded.,Service connection is not granted for the Veteran's claimed conditions due to lack of current diagnoses or evidence linking them to service.
- Dismissed
The appeal for a compensable rating for a fractured coccyx is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for other specified trauma and stressor disorder with depressive disorder is granted, effective May 3, 2016. The rating assigned is 70 percent.
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