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Denied

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbosacral disc herniation at L5-S1 was denied, as the evidence did not show that he met the criteria for a higher evaluation. The claim for TDIU was also denied due to the presence of other service-connected disabilities and the veteran's occupational experience.

The deciding factor: The VA examinations and outpatient progress notes showed mild functional limitation due to pain or during flare-ups, but no more than mild impairment in range of motion or neurological function. The veteran had a combined rating for his service-connected conditions that did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

Claimed conditions
lumbosacral disc herniation at L5-S1
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
40%
Decision date
July 5, 2006
Citation
0619574

Veterans Law Judge

BARBARA B. COPELAND

Decisions by this judge: 1,515 · Granted: 20% (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 0619574.

What this means for you

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