The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbar spine disorder warrants a 20% evaluation, effective October 1, 1996. The ratings for hemorrhoids and post-operative residuals of the right 5th finger remain at 10%. These decisions are based on the clinical evidence showing moderate intervertebral disc syndrome with recurring attacks, mild limitation of motion, and no ankylosis or severe lumbosacral strain.

The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support a higher evaluation for any of the conditions due to lack of significant additional functional impairment beyond what is already encompassed in the current 20% rating for lumbar spine disorder.

Claimed conditions

Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine at L5-S1, Hemorrhoids, Post-operative residuals of an open reduction and internal fixation of a fracture of the proximal phalanx of the right 5th finger

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

20%

Decision date

February 9, 2000

Citation

0003295

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 0003295.