The Veteran's lumbar spine IVDS disability is rated at 20 percent, and his neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities are also rated at 20 percent each. The ratings reflect the current level of impairment due to decreased range of motion and associated symptoms.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine IVDS does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5243, as his forward flexion is not limited to less than 30 degrees or he does not have unfavorable ankylosis. His neuropathy of the lower extremities meets the criteria for a 20 percent disability rating due to moderate impairment with increased pain and weakness.
- Claimed conditions
- intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine, neuropathy of the left lower extremity associated with IVDS of the spine, neuropathy of the right lower extremity associated with IVDS of the spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 16, 2009
- Citation
- 0914200
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 0914200.
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 Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability (previously rated as degenerative disc disease) was remanded due to a duty-to-assist error in the November 2024 Back Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire. The case is now being remanded to obtain retrospective findings from an appropriate clinician to determine the severity of the Veteran's service-connected back disability.
- Granted
The Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for the Veteran's low back disorder, effective March 31, 2019.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine was denied. The Board found that there were no unadjudicated applications and that a CUE in the August 2013 rating decision did not warrant an earlier effective date.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine is denied. The current rating of 10 percent remains unchanged.
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