The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 20 percent prior to February 12, 2014 and increased to 40 percent thereafter. The rating for left leg pain remained at 10 percent. PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to February 11, 2014.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disability met the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine due to forward flexion limited to 45 degrees. The left leg pain was rated at 10 percent as it did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on neurologic impairment. PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to February 11, 2014.
- Claimed conditions
- Herniated nucleus pulposus, L4-L5, L5-S1, residuals back injury, Left leg pain (femoral nerve), Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 24, 2016
- Citation
- 1606839
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 1606839.
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 service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral lower extremity conditions and PTSD, resulted in a loss of use of both lower extremities such that he is entitled to specially adapted housing.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders and their relationship to service.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, finding that these conditions are related to military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's right and left hand pain are granted increased ratings, while his PTSD is denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent.
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