The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 with scoliosis deformity, bilateral pes planus, and PTSD has been granted. The Veteran is now receiving the maximum available rating of 20 percent for his service-connected degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 with scoliosis deformity. His bilateral pes planus is rated as 20 percent disabling since October 15, 2010, and he received a temporary evaluation of 100 percent from October 15, 2010 to December 31, 2010 due to surgical treatment. The Veteran's PTSD has been granted at the maximum available rating of 70 percent since July 5, 2016.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s service-connected conditions have been found to meet or approximate the criteria for the assigned ratings based on their severity and impact on daily life.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 with scoliosis deformity, Bilateral pes planus, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 12, 2019
- Citation
- 19145482
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,454 · Granted: 23% (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 19145482.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has identified a contradiction in the AOJ's determinations regarding the Veteran's need for aid and assistance, which requires clarification. The remanded issues are entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another and on the basis of statutory housebound status.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral pes planus is not service-connected due to a duty-to-assist error, and remands the case for further examination and opinion.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased rating and earlier effective date for PTSD have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal.
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