The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 40 percent prior to September 24, 2012 and has been reduced to 20 percent since then. The right lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s lumbar spine condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes as required by the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The radiculopathy was rated at 20 percent based on moderate incomplete neuralgia.
- Claimed conditions
- Status post lumbar vertebra fracture with osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine with degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 20, 2017
- Citation
- 1722894
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 1722894.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Denied
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- 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.
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