The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating from 40 percent to 20 percent for his degenerative disc disease of L4-L5 and L5-S1 was proper, effective November 1, 2009. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher disability rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed improvement in the Veteran's low back condition, with forward flexion limited to 60 degrees or less but not to 30 degrees or less, which met the criteria for a 20 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 5243.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease L4-5 and L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 28, 2013
- Citation
- 1333963
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 1333963.
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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The Veteran's broken teeth and degenerative disc disease L4-5 and L5-S1 were not service-connected, and the rating for his degenerative disc disease was denied. The issue of a separate evaluation for neurological impairment related to his back disability is remanded.
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