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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- 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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0210616.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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