The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected low back disability, including degenerative disc disease with a herniated disc at L4-L5, is currently productive of no more than severe intervertebral disc syndrome and severe lumbosacral strain. The claim for an increased rating to 60 percent or higher under Diagnostic Code 5293 (for pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome) has been denied as the evidence does not show symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows no more than severe intervertebral disc syndrome, which is rated at 40% under Diagnostic Code 5293. The veteran's neurological findings do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under this code.
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 21, 2001
- Citation
- 0114135
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 0114135.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations. The AOJ is instructed to obtain private treatment records from Mays & Schnapp Pain Management and schedule the Veteran for additional medical examinations.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, including diagnosed degenerative arthritis with DDD other than intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis status post L3, L4, and L5 laminectomy. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury and his ongoing symptoms since then.
- Granted
The Veteran's right shoulder disability, low back condition, bilateral knee disabilities, and left shoulder strain have been granted service connection. The Veteran's low back condition has been increased to a 40 percent evaluation, while the bilateral knee conditions remain at their current 10 percent evaluations.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for the claimed conditions as there is no persuasive evidence of current diagnoses or in-service incurrence or aggravation.
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