The Board has granted a 60 percent evaluation for the veteran's herniated nucleus pulposus, L5-S1, status post laminectomies and neurological changes of the left lower extremity.
The deciding factor: The disability is characterized by significant functional impairment and essentially constant pain, including demonstrable muscle spasms, limited and painful range of motion, tenderness, positive straight leg raising, and decreased sensation, reflexes, and strength of the left lower extremity. The MRI findings are compatible with sciatic neuropathy.
- Claimed conditions
- Herniated nucleus pulposus, L5-S1, Neurological changes of the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 23, 2001
- Citation
- 0105599
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 0105599.
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: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his herniated nucleus pulposus, L5-S1, is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent prior to July 1, 2015 and 40 percent from July 1, 2015.,The current ratings do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his herniated nucleus pulposus, L5-S1, was denied as the evidence did not show that he met the criteria for a higher rating under VA's rating schedule. The Board found that the current 20 percent rating adequately reflected the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus, L5-S1, is currently rated at 20 percent and meets the criteria for a higher evaluation.
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