The veteran's claim for an increased rating for her herniated disc at L5 with degenerative changes was granted, and she is currently rated at 40 percent. The claim for a higher initial rating for post-traumatic stress disorder remains pending as the issue of reopening service connection for PTSD due to new evidence has been resolved in favor of the veteran.
The deciding factor: The VA found that the veteran's condition met the criteria for a 40% disability rating based on her herniated disc at L5 with degenerative changes, and granted this rating. The claim for an initial rating higher than 50 percent was denied as there were no additional symptoms or conditions warranting such a high rating.
- Claimed conditions
- herniated disc at L5 with degenerative changes at L3-L4 and L5-S1, post-traumatic stress disorder
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- August 24, 2001
- Citation
- 0121459
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 0121459.
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 Board remands the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for post-traumatic stress disorder to provide her with another opportunity to attend a new VA mental health examination.
- Granted
The Board grants the appeal in full, granting service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.
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