The veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine at L4-5 is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, and there is no evidence to support a higher rating under either the old or new criteria for intervertebral disc syndrome.
The deciding factor: The veteran's disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on severe disability with recurring attacks and intermittent relief, nor does it demonstrate pronounced disability with persistent symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine at L4-5
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 20, 2006
- Citation
- 0601801
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
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