The VA denied the Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his herniated nucleus pulposus L4-5, status post discectomy. The evidence showed that the Veteran had pain and limited range of motion but no incapacitating episodes or objective neurological disabilities.
The deciding factor: The VA found that the Veteran's disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on his symptoms alone.
- Claimed conditions
- herniated nucleus pulposus L4-5
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 8, 2010
- Citation
- 1025522
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 1025522.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for left L4 radiculopathy, herniated nucleus pulposus L4-5, and desiccation and degeneration L4 to S1, finding that these conditions had their onset during active service.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in acquiring an automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for herniated nucleus pulposus L4-5 and service connection for a cervical spine disability was denied. The current rating of 40% for the herniated nucleus pulposus L4-5 is maintained.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for right foot stress fracture and did not address the other issues. The claim for herniated nucleus pulposus L4-5 was remanded, but no new evidence has been provided to reopen the claim.
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