The veteran's claim for increased ratings for several service-connected disabilities was granted, with the initial rating of 20 percent assigned for lumbosacral strain with disc bulge at L5-S1 prior to March 6, 1999 and a staged rating of 20 percent from that date. A separate 10 percent evaluation was also granted for neurologic manifestations of the service-connected low back disability as of September 23, 2002. The veteran's left ring finger amputation received a 10 percent initial rating, while his umbilical hernia did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The veteran's lumbosacral strain with disc bulge at L5-S1 was rated based on its severity and functional impairment. The neurologic manifestations were evaluated separately as they warranted a separate evaluation under Diagnostic Code 8520 (for mild incomplete paralysis of the median nerve). The left ring finger amputation received a 10 percent initial rating, while the umbilical hernia did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with disc bulge at L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 22, 2007
- Citation
- 0726314
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 0726314.
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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