The veteran's low back disability, characterized as lumbosacral strain, is rated at 10 percent effective January 5, 1996 to August 20, 1996. The rating for the right herniated nucleus pulposus at L5-S1 with history of right leg numbness remains at 20 percent as of August 20, 1996. A 10 percent disability rating is granted for osteoarthritis of the knees and ankles effective December 1, 1996. The veteran's vagina cystocele and residuals of excised bilateral ganglion cysts are each rated at 10 percent.

The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows that the veteran's low back disability was manifested by symptoms prior to August 20, 1996, including right leg numbness. The RO assigned a noncompensable rating for this period and increased it to 10 percent effective December 1, 1996.

Claimed conditions

lumbosacral strain, right herniated nucleus pulposus at L5-S1, osteoarthritis of the knees and ankles, vagina cystocele, residuals of excised bilateral ganglion cysts

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

10%

Decision date

February 9, 2001

Citation

0104061

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 0104061.