The Veteran's back disability was rated at 20 percent prior to October 12, 2015. As of October 12, 2015, the rating was increased to 40 percent for his low back disability. The radiculopathy of the right lower extremity remains rated at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back disability did not meet criteria for higher ratings under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, as it did not show unfavorable ankylosis or significant limitation of motion. The radiculopathy was also rated based on its own criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Injury with Lumbar Spinal Degenerative Disc Disease and Degenerative Joint Disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 22, 2017
- Citation
- 1734561
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 1734561.
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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