The Board has determined that the veteran's DDD at L5-S1 with a history of lumbosacral strain warrants a 40 percent disability rating, reflecting severe symptoms including recurring attacks and intermittent relief.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows significant limitation of motion, substantial sensory loss in the right thigh, and positive straight leg raising on the right side, which are indicative of severe intervertebral disc syndrome with recurrent attacks.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) at L5-S1, Lumbosacral strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 20, 2001
- Citation
- 0116738
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 0116738.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the lumbar spine disability prior to October 11, 2022 and since December 1, 2022. The Veteran's claim is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5242.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis and a lumbosacral strain, is at least as likely as not related to his active service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a deficiency in the April 2024 VA medical examination, specifically regarding passive range of motion testing for pain.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar disorder, diagnosed as DDD and a lumbosacral strain, has been granted service connection. The Board found that the disability is related to his military service.
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