The veteran's service-connected low back disorder, characterized by degenerative joint disease and lumbosacral radiculopathy, is now rated at the maximum allowable under Diagnostic Code 5293 due to pronounced symptoms including persistent sciatic neuropathy with characteristic pain and demonstrable muscle spasm.
The deciding factor: The veteran's current level of disability, characterized by severe intervertebral disc syndrome with recurring attacks and intermittent relief, meets the criteria for a 60 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5293.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Lumbar Spine, Lumbosacral Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- September 6, 2002
- Citation
- 0211454
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 0211454.
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 claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial increased rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee degenerative arthritis is remanded due to inadequate examination report.
- Granted
The reduction of the Veteran's lumbar spine and cervical spine disability ratings from 40% to 20% was improper, and the prior ratings are restored.
- Denied
The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and the appeal for an increased rating has been denied. The Board also found that TDIU was granted as of January 16, 2010, but not earlier.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and chronic sinusitis. However, it granted an increased disability rating of 30 percent for left upper extremity radiculopathy.
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