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 assigned
- 60%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0105599.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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