The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the service-connected low back disability, including degenerative disc disease at L4-5. The claim of an initial compensable rating for pronator muscle syndrome of the right arm is also granted. No new ratings are granted for COPD or left ear hearing loss. Service connection for chronic disability resulting from asbestos exposure and chronic sinusitis is denied.
The deciding factor: The veteran's low back disability, including degenerative disc disease at L4-5, meets the criteria for a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5293 (intervertebral disc syndrome). The other claims are either not granted or are denied due to lack of evidence supporting service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), low back disability, pronator muscle syndrome of the right arm, left ear hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 29, 2000
- Citation
- 0005493
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0005493.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for onychomycosis was denied as the condition did not require treatment and covered less than 5% of his body. The Board also remanded issues regarding service connection for left ear hearing loss and entitlement to a compensable disability rating for right ear hearing loss.
- Denied
The Veteran's respiratory disability, including asthma and COPD, is denied as service connection is not warranted due to the condition being solely attributed to smoking.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for right foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is granted with an effective date of July 25, 2023.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is dismissed as it does not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for asthma, COPD, pancreatitis, stroke, and left arm weakness (claimed as secondary to stroke) based on the presumption of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service or due to in-service exposure.
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