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Granted

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD and depression is granted. A rating in excess of 20 percent for a low back disability is denied. The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy is remanded.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's diagnosis of PTSD was linked to the verified in-service stressor, and his symptoms have been continuously treated since service.

Claimed conditions
Acquired Psychiatric Disability, to include PTSD and depression
How they argued it
Not specified
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
January 22, 2019
Citation
19105018

Veterans Law Judge

MATTHEW W. BLACKWELDER

Decisions by this judge: 2,329 · Granted: 31% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)

Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.

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 19105018.

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.

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