The veteran's low back disability, characterized by severe pain and limitation of motion due to degenerative disc disease and arthritis, has been rated at 60 percent. This is the highest possible rating under Diagnostic Code 5293 for intervertebral disc syndrome.
The deciding factor: The veteran's clinical findings, including MRI and X-ray evidence of extensive degenerative joint disease (arthritis) and degenerative disc disease, along with his symptoms such as severe pain radiating down into both legs, were found to be commensurate with the requirements for a 60 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5293.
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Pain with Degenerative Changes at L4-5, Intervertebral Disc Syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- June 14, 2001
- Citation
- 0116287
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 0116287.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of representation.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial evaluation for cervical spine disability remains at 10 percent, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the decision on appeal is legally inadequate due to insufficient notification and an inadequately supported medical opinion. The case is being remanded for further action.
- Denied
The Veteran's DDD is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The appeal for higher ratings on other conditions has been denied.
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