The Board has determined that the appellant's low back disability, characterized as status-post lumbar laminectomy for herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP), with residual chronic lumbar strain and mild to moderate narrowing of L4-L5, is manifested by constant pain that is at times severe, limitation of lumbar spine motion, demonstrable muscle spasm, and absent left ankle jerk. The criteria for a 60 percent evaluation have been met.
The deciding factor: The appellant's flexion and extension were mildly reduced but rotation and lateral flexion were within the range of normal. He had degenerative disease of the lumbosacral spine with narrowing of the L4-L5 intervertebral disc spaces, suggesting a diagnosis of chronic radiculopathy.
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- August 15, 2002
- Citation
- 0209975
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 0209975.
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 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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