The Veteran's service-connected herniated discs at L5-S1 and L4-5 do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent, as her range of motion does not warrant such an increase.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back disability did not result in forward flexion to 30 degrees or less, nor did it involve unfavorable ankylosis. Her symptoms were limited and did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- herniated disc L5-S1, herniated disc L4-5
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 15, 2010
- Citation
- 1009686
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 1009686.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for herniated disc L5-S1 as her symptoms are already considered in her existing service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided that the evaluation for the service-connected herniated disc L5-S1, claimed as low back, needs to be reconsidered due to new evidence submitted since the April 2020 Statement of the Case.
- Granted
The Board has granted the reopening of the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back condition, but has remanded the issue to obtain additional medical evidence.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's herniated discs L4-L5 and L5-S1, but has remanded the issue of service connection for right inguinal and umbilical hernias.
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