The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% and his degenerative disc disease with neural foraminal stenosis on the right at L5-S1 is rated at 20%. The radiculopathy of the left leg is rated at 10%. These ratings are granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, and avoidance behaviors, meet the criteria for a 50% rating under Diagnostic Code 9411. His degenerative disc disease with neural foraminal stenosis on the right at L5-S1 meets the criteria for a 20% rating under General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine (Diagnostic Code 5237). The radiculopathy of the left leg meets the criteria for a 10% rating under Diagnostic Code 8526.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Degenerative Disc Disease at L4-L5 and lumbago with worsening in neural foraminal stenosis on the right at L5-S1, Radiculopathy of the left leg
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- May 26, 2011
- Citation
- 1120497
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 1120497.
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.
- 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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