The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent for the service-connected left L4-5 herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) with degenerative changes at L4-5 and L5-S1, effective from October 1, 1994.
The deciding factor: The veteran's claim was remanded multiple times due to incomplete information about his post-service treatment. The VA examinations conducted did not fully comply with the Board's instructions regarding DeLuca criteria. As a result, the case is being returned for further development and consideration of the evidence.
- Claimed conditions
- left L4-5 herniated nucleus pulposus, degenerative changes at L4-5 and L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 30, 2000
- Citation
- 0031435
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 0031435.
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.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, including lumbar disc disease and degenerative changes at L4-5 and L5-S1, is service connected.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated as 60 percent since March 9, 1998.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a supplemental opinion from an examiner.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected left lower extremity radiculopathy was rated at 10 percent before May 9, 2011. From that date, the disability is now rated at 20 percent.
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