The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disorder and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating, as the veteran’s symptoms were characterized by chronic low back pain with intermittent relief from such symptoms without sensory or motor deficit.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that the veteran had chronic low back pain and occasional flare-ups of more severe pain and radicular symptoms, but no functional impairment due to weakness, excess fatigability, or incoordination. The Board concluded that the criteria for a schedular rating in excess of 40 percent have not been met.
- Claimed conditions
- herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine with hypertrophic spurring and osteoporosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- September 19, 2000
- Citation
- 0024974
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 0024974.
What this means for you
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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 increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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