The veteran's service-connected degenerative disk disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent since the effective date for the grant of service connection, and a separate 10 percent rating has been assigned for radiating pain and numbness in the lower extremities.
The deciding factor: The veteran's low back disability was found to meet the criteria for a 20% evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5292 (limitation of motion) since February 26, 2005. A separate 10% rating has been assigned for radiating pain and numbness in the lower extremities.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disk disease of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 24, 2006
- Citation
- 0636485
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 0636485.
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 remands the claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine disability to schedule a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and, if so, whether he has required bed rest prescribed by a physician during any 12-month period.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's back disability was granted a 40 percent rating from July 28, 2010 to July 24, 2020, and the right knee instability was granted a separate 10 percent rating from that same date. The claims for increased ratings for the back and knees were denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA records and the need for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back condition(s).
- Remanded (sent back)
The reduction in the rating of the Veteran’s lumbar spine disability from 40 to 10 percent, effective May 1, 2013 was improper. The 40 percent rating is restored. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded for further development.
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