The Board has granted a 60 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected back disability, which includes residuals of a laminectomy at L5-S1 with L4-L5 narrowing and traumatic degenerative changes. The highest schedular rating available under Diagnostic Codes (DC) 5293-5285 is 60 percent.
The deciding factor: The clinical evidence demonstrated severe back pain, an absent left ankle jerk, severely diminished sensation in the lower extremities, and continuing need for surgery, which met the criteria for a 60 percent rating under DC 5293 for 'pronounced' intervertebral disc syndrome.
- Claimed conditions
- laminectomy at L5-S1, traumatic degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- April 28, 2000
- Citation
- 0011286
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 0011286.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess the severity of the veteran's service-connected low back disorder, as well as any additional evidence should be submitted. The case will then be reviewed and decided based on all available information.
- Denied
The veteran's cervical spine disability, which includes a fracture at C5 with traumatic degenerative changes, is currently rated as 40 percent disabling. The Board finds that the current rating adequately reflects his symptoms and does not warrant an increased evaluation.
- Denied
The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a laminectomy at L5-S1, finding that the evidence does not support a grant of benefits.
- Granted
The veteran's disabilities, when considered in combination, result in his inability to care for some of his daily personal needs without regular personal assistance from his spouse. The veteran is not shown to be substantial confined to his dwelling or immediate premises as a result of disabilities.
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