The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected DDD of the lumbar spine, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and PTSD were denied. The Veteran's DDD of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, while his left lower extremity radiculopathy is separately rated as 10 percent disabling. His left knee sprain/strain with chondromalacia is rated at 20 percent and PTSD is rated at 30 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's DDD of the lumbar spine does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code, as his range of motion remains within the limits that warrant a 10 percent disability rating. His left lower extremity radiculopathy is separately rated at 10 percent and his PTSD is rated at 30 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, Left lower extremity radiculopathy, Left knee sprain/strain with chondromalacia, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 23, 2018
- Citation
- 1824852
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 1824852.
What this means for you
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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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