The Board found that the veteran's low back disability, characterized by severe limitation of motion due to pain and mild tenderness at L4-5, did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5293. The maximum schedular evaluation available is 40 percent.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not show neurological findings compatible with sciatic neuropathy, which would be required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5293.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, Retrolisthesis of L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 8, 2001
- Citation
- 0100373
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 0100373.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with MDD and other disabilities prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, granting a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine as secondary to service-connected impairment of the left knee with arthritis and impairment of the right knee with arthritis.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy impacting both lower extremities on a secondary basis to the back disability, and right knee degenerative arthritis.
- Denied
The Board denied an increased rating greater than 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and scoliosis of the thoracic spine.
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