The Veteran's low back disability and PTSD were granted increased ratings, but no more than the current assigned percentages. The TDIU claim was denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support higher ratings for either condition or a TDIU based on service-connected disabilities alone.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain with spondylolisthesis, post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 11, 2018
- Citation
- 18101975
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 18101975.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's right thumb pain, right ring finger pain, lipoma scars, lumbar strain with spondylolisthesis, and non-compensable disabilities. However, it granted a 40% rating for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy with restless leg syndrome.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error in the original rating decision, and a new medical opinion is needed to address the Veteran's claim for service connection of OSA secondary to PTSD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error in the original rating decision, and a new medical opinion is needed to address the Veteran's claim for service connection of OSA secondary to PTSD.
- Granted
The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of service connection for cervical spine intervertebral disc disease, lumbar strain with spondylolisthesis, and migraine headaches. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to his military service.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.