The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his herniated nucleus pulposus, L5-S1, is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.
The deciding factor: The medical findings and lay statements do not indicate unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine or the entire spine, which would be required for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Herniated nucleus pulposus, L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 5, 2020
- Citation
- A20016528
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 A20016528.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent prior to July 1, 2015 and 40 percent from July 1, 2015.,The current ratings do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his herniated nucleus pulposus, L5-S1, was denied as the evidence did not show that he met the criteria for a higher rating under VA's rating schedule. The Board found that the current 20 percent rating adequately reflected the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus, L5-S1, is currently rated at 20 percent and meets the criteria for a higher evaluation.
- Granted
The veteran's herniated nucleus pulposus, L5-S1, has been rated at 40 percent since the initial grant of service connection. The current rating reflects moderate limitation of motion and neurological deficit without incapacitating episodes or other criteria warranting a higher evaluation.
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