The Board has granted a 60 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine, effective as of November 18, 1997. The claim for increased disability rating for residuals of an old fracture of the left femur with limitation of motion and slight knee disability is denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not demonstrate that a higher rating was warranted based on impairment of motion or unfavorable bony fixation (ankylosis) of the spine, but it satisfied the criteria for a 60 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5293 due to pronounced impairment with persistent symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine, residuals of an old fracture of the left femur
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- November 24, 2000
- Citation
- 0030695
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 0030695.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's attorney has withdrawn the appeal of his claim for a higher initial rating for degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for major depressive disorder, degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine, and multiple sclerosis. The increased disability rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches was denied.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or chronic symptoms since service separation. The claim for entitlement to TDIU was also denied.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine prior to August 3, 2017, and 40 percent since, as well as for bilateral hearing loss.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.