The veteran's service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus at L5-S1, with chronic low back pain, was granted a 40 percent disability rating effective October 10, 2002. His right and left wrist carpal tunnel syndromes were each assigned noncompensable ratings.
The deciding factor: The veteran's herniated nucleus pulposus at L5-S1 resulted in severe recurring attacks with intermittent relief, warranting a 40 percent disability rating effective October 10, 2002. His carpal tunnel syndromes were not found to meet the criteria for compensable ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- herniated nucleus pulposus at L5-S1, chronic low back pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- July 1, 2004
- Citation
- 0417750
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,421 · Granted: 29% (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 0417750.
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 case due to predecisional duty-to-assist errors, including inadequate medical opinions and missed VA examinations. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition is being returned to the RO for further action.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic low back pain was incurred in service and continues to this day, granting her claim for service connection.
- Granted
The Veteran's thoracolumbar disorder, including arthritis, thoracic spine scoliosis with degenerative changes, DDD, and chronic low back pain, is granted service connection. Service connection for a cervical strain is denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's chronic low back pain, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral foot conditions are granted. The lung condition (including asthma and bronchitis) is remanded for further evaluation.
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