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Granted

The veteran's lumbar spine disability, characterized by disc herniation at the L4-5 level, is productive of limitation of motion, lower extremity weakness, radiculopathy and other pain (not well managed by medication), and neurological impairment. With resolution of all reasonable doubt in the veteran's favor, the criteria for a 60 percent rating for post-operative residuals of HNP at L4-5 have been met.

The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the veteran had functional loss due to weakened movement and possible arachnoiditis or spinal stenosis, which justified a higher rating than what was currently assigned.

Claimed conditions
Herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) at L4-5
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
60%
Decision date
August 27, 2002
Citation
0210616

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 0210616.

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.

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