The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, and his PTSD and depression are rated at 50 percent. The TDIU claim is granted.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations indicated that the Veteran's status post-intervertebral disc replacement resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine of 30 degrees or less but not unfavorable ankylosis, warranting a 40% rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The PTSD and depression were rated at 50%, meeting the criteria for such a rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Status Post-Intervertebral Disc Replacement
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- July 13, 2017
- Citation
- 1727049
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 1727049.
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.
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- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
- 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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