The veteran's degenerative disc disease, L5-S1, was granted a 20 percent disability rating effective from April 2001. The separate 10 percent rating for decreased sensation, right lower extremity (radiculitis L5-S1 level) remains at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The veteran's degenerative disc disease met the criteria for a 20 percent disability rating effective from April 2001. The separate 10 percent rating for decreased sensation, right lower extremity (radiculitis L5-S1 level) was denied as it did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease, L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 18, 2004
- Citation
- 0430682
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 0430682.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error and will schedule the Veteran for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his lumbar spine disability, including whether it manifests in the functional equivalent of ankylosis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his back condition remains pending before the Board. The case is remanded due to unclear functional limitations reported in May 2021 opinion and need for clarification regarding the period of appeal.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective October 1, 2004 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.