The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD prior to April 2018, increased ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of both lower extremities, and TDIU prior to April 2018 are all denied.
The deciding factor: The effective date for service connection was set as April 2018 based on an intent to file form since his formal and complete claim for compensation was received within one year of intent to file submission. The Veteran's spine disability is rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, with a 40 percent rating being warranted due to forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine not meeting the criteria for higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood, Degenerative Disease of the Lumbar Spine, Radiculopathy, Left Lower Extremity, Radiculopathy, Right Lower Extremity
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 24, 2019
- Citation
- 19174484
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 19174484.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to December 27, 2019 for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no earlier claim document in the claims file and the Veteran did not timely perfect an appeal.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted as a result of military sexual trauma (MST) that occurred during service. The Board found the Veteran's testimony and supporting evidence credible, including her VA and private treatment records.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for TDIU is granted with an effective date of August 17, 2022. The decision also denies the Veteran's request for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) due to lack of need for aid and attendance or being housebound.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted eligibility to attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the October 2024 rating decision for an increased PTSD rating and denied TDIU.
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