The veteran's service-connected bilateral diskectomy and laminectomy, L4-L5 vertebrae, with history of chronic low back pain is not manifested by ankylosis but is productive of pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome. The criteria for a higher evaluation are not met.
The deciding factor: The disability does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under any applicable diagnostic code due to lack of evidence of ankylosis or complete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral diskectomy and laminectomy, L4-L5 vertebrae, chronic low back pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- February 2, 2001
- Citation
- 0103361
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 0103361.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded claims for chronic low back pain, upper back pain, right hand disability, left hand disability, headaches, and right knee disability.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple disabilities, including various musculoskeletal conditions and mental health disorders.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and remanded the claims for other conditions due to insufficient evidence.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeal for service connection for chronic back pain, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and a left knee disability secondary to the service-connected right knee patellofemoral syndrome.
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