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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- 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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0031435.
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
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated as 60 percent since March 9, 1998.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a supplemental opinion from an examiner.
- Whole decision: 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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