The Veteran's service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes and L4-L5 HNP status post discectomy is currently rated at 20 percent, which adequately reflects the severity of his disability.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that the Veteran had limited range of motion in his lumbar spine, but no ankylosis or other severe impairment. The pain and muscle spasm were noted as limiting function without additional limitation from fatigue, weakness, lack of endurance, or coordination issues.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes, L4-L5 herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) status post discectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 5, 2011
- Citation
- 1144319
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 1144319.
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 claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development of the claims, including obtaining any outstanding records.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected low back strain and post-herpetic neuralgia of the right axilla and right lateral chest were denied as there was no evidence to support a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.
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