The veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with orthopedic manifestations is rated at 20 percent, and his service-connected neurologic manifestations of the left and right lower extremities are each rated at 20 percent. The ratings reflect the severity of the disability based on the criteria for evaluating intervertebral disc syndrome.
The deciding factor: The veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with orthopedic manifestations meets the criteria for a 20 percent rating under the revised criteria effective September 26, 2003. The neurologic manifestations of both lower extremities meet the criteria for separate 20 percent ratings based on incapacitating episodes and chronic orthopedic and neurologic manifestations.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease L4-5, degenerative disc disease left lower extremity, degenerative disc disease right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 17, 2007
- Citation
- 0714820
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0714820.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the development conducted does not comply with the November 2022 Board remand and thus, an additional VA examination is required for both bronchitis and degenerative disc disease L4-5.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial claim for higher ratings for his service-connected disabilities was denied. The Board has granted an increased rating of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease L4-5 from June 14, 2006 through December 1, 2019.,Higher initial ratings were not granted for the Veteran's left and right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerves or femoral nerves.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to incomplete grant of benefits and issues potentially intertwined.
- Granted
The Veteran's left hip disability is found to be secondary to his service-connected degenerative disc disease L4-5. His TDIU claim is also granted.
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