The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative disc disease of L4-L5 warrants a 20 percent evaluation, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5293. The appeal for an increased evaluation is denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a higher evaluation as there are no findings of severe intervertebral disc syndrome or pronounced degenerative arthritis with persistent symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy, and the veteran's overall disability picture most closely approximates moderate impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease of L4-L5
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 16, 2003
- Citation
- 0307346
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,055 · Granted: 31% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 0307346.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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 determined that additional development is necessary before the TDIU claim can be decided. The Veteran's service-connected back disability and other conditions are considered in determining his employability.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease of L4-L5 from February 27, 2015 was granted. The effective date remains to be determined.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is not service connected, as it was not incurred or aggravated by his active duty service. The Board also found no evidence of a direct connection to his service-connected left knee disability.
- Denied
The veteran's degenerative disc disease of L4-L5 is currently manifested by pain and slight limitation of motion, which does not warrant a higher evaluation.
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