The Veteran's claim for an initially compensable evaluation for status post fusion scars, midline low back and posterosuperior iliac crest associated with degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine status post plates with screws at L4-5 and L5-S1 was denied. The Board also found that service connection for PTSD, a bilateral hip disorder, and a bilateral knee disorder is not warranted as secondary to a service-connected low back disability.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show findings of musculoskeletal hip or knee disorders other than the Veteran's currently service-connected lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran was referred for a VA examination but no such examination has been conducted yet.
- Claimed conditions
- Status Post Fusion Scars, Midline Low Back and Posterosuperior Iliac Crest Associated with Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbosacral Spine Status Post Plates with Screws at L4-5 and L5-S1, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bilateral Hip Disorder, Bilateral Knee Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 17, 2009
- Citation
- 0930744
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 0930744.
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.
- 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.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 23, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to February 15, 2005 due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his social and occupational functioning.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also met the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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