The veteran's low back strain with degenerative disc disease of L5-S1 and degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher evaluation of 60 percent is warranted based on severe limitation of motion, muscle spasm, and absent ankle jerk.
The deciding factor: The veteran's symptoms include severe limitation of motion, muscle spasm, and absent ankle jerk, which are considered manifestations of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) under the old rating criteria for IVDS prior to September 23, 2002. These factors meet the criteria for a 60 percent evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain with degenerative disc disease of L5-S1 and degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- May 5, 2006
- Citation
- 0613213
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 0613213.
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
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