The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability warrants a 60 percent rating, based on pronounced intervertebral disc disease with persistent symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy and functional impairment despite ongoing medical treatment.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows constant, severe radiating pain, muscle spasms, and functional impairment from the low back disability, meeting the criteria for a maximum available rating under Code 5293.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint and Disc Disease, Bulging Discs, Neurological Impairment
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- September 28, 2001
- Citation
- 0123826
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 0123826.
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 Veteran's TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance claims have been granted effective from November 23, 2019.,The Board has also remanded the Veteran's increased rating claims for his lumbar and cervical spine conditions.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current thoracolumbar spine disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint and disc disease, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence does not show a chronic disability during service or within one year of separation from active duty.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the Veteran's erectile dysfunction and its impact on his penile health.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, degenerative joint and disc disease, and sciatica, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined rating of at least 70% due to these conditions.
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