The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50% from February 9, 2009 to March 19, 2012 and in excess of 50% thereafter. The thoracolumbar strain with arthritis and disc disease warranted a 20% rating for the entire period on appeal. Left lower extremity radiculopathy was rated at 20% from November 1, 2010 to April 30, 2012 and in excess of 20% thereafter. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the Veteran's PTSD symptoms warranted a 50% rating based on his occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. For the thoracolumbar strain, the VA found that the Veteran had forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees, meeting the criteria for a 20% rating. The left lower extremity radiculopathy was rated at 20% based on moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Thoracolumbar strain with arthritis and disc disease, Left lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- November 21, 2012
- Citation
- 1239975
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 1239975.
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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