The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected chronic low back pain with herniated nucleus pulposa L5-S1 and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The evidence showed that the veteran had some complaints of pain but no significant impairment in motion or function. His PTSD was characterized by occasional decrease in overall functioning due to nightmares, sleep impairment, depression, and memory impairment.
The deciding factor: The VA found that the veteran's service-connected conditions did not warrant an evaluation higher than the current ratings based on his symptoms and functional limitations.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Low Back Pain with Herniated Nucleus Pulposa L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- August 1, 2008
- Citation
- 0825825
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 0825825.
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 Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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