The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative changes, PTSD, and chronic bronchitis. The lumbar spine degenerative changes are currently rated as 10 percent disabling, PTSD is rated as 50 percent disabling, and chronic bronchitis is rated as 30 percent disabling.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected conditions were evaluated based on the criteria for each condition under the applicable diagnostic codes. The lumbar spine degenerative changes meet the criteria for a 10 percent rating due to painful motion. PTSD meets the criteria for a 50 percent rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. Chronic bronchitis meets the criteria for a 30 percent rating based on pulmonary Function Test (PFT) results.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative changes, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic bronchitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 6, 2010
- Citation
- 1045459
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 1045459.
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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- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
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