The veteran's service-connected postoperative residuals of spinal fusion at L5-S1 with degenerative joint disease and chronic low back pain are currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board has determined that the disability picture more nearly approximates severe intervertebral disc syndrome with recurring attacks and only intermittent relief, warranting a 40 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The VA records show that the veteran's service-connected low back disability is productive of symptoms consistent with severe intervertebral disc syndrome with recurring attacks and only intermittent relief.
- Claimed conditions
- postoperative residuals of spinal fusion at L5-S1, degenerative joint disease, chronic low back pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 15, 2002
- Citation
- 0204539
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 0204539.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded claims for chronic low back pain, upper back pain, right hand disability, left hand disability, headaches, and right knee disability.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for residuals of a right knee meniscal tear to include degenerative joint disease, finding that the Veteran's in-service injury led to his current condition.
- Granted
The Board granted an increased initial rating of 20 percent disabling for the Veteran's right shoulder, effective November 22, 2011.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and lumbosacral strain, based on the Veteran's consistent account of having low back problems since service.
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