The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a low back injury are currently manifested by pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome, intermittent lumbar radiculopathy, characteristic low back pain, demonstrable muscle spasm and absent ankle jerk. The criteria for an increased evaluation to 60 percent have been met.
The deciding factor: The veteran's symptoms, including pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome, intermittent lumbar radiculopathy, characteristic low back pain, and demonstrable muscle spasm, align with the diagnostic criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5293 (Degenerative arthritis of the spine).
- Claimed conditions
- Low back injury, Chronic low back strain, Herniated lumbar disc (possible), Degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 11, 2000
- Citation
- 0009698
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 0009698.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's low back disability and right leg radiculopathy are granted service connection, but left leg radiculopathy is denied.
- Granted
The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's low back disability, effective from the date of the August 2013 VA examination. The decision also notes that all reasonable doubt is resolved in favor of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected low back disability and bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy are currently rated at 10 percent prior to March 5, 2021, and 20 percent thereafter. The appeal is denied as the criteria for higher ratings have not been met.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for low back injury, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus to allow for further development of evidence.
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