The Veteran's PTSD and lumbar spine disabilities have been rated, but the ratings are mixed. The PTSD has a 70% rating prior to January 8, 2015, and from that date onwards. The lumbar spine disability has a 10% rating before September 10, 2015, and a 20% rating after that date.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting the highest available rating of 70%. The lumbar spine disability has not met the criteria for higher ratings due to its current range of motion and lack of severe muscle spasm or guarding.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Lumbar Spine Degenerative Changes with History of Herniated Disc
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 22, 2017
- Citation
- 1741811
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 1741811.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
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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