Service connection for PTSD is granted. The issue of entitlement to service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine (low back disability) is remanded for additional development.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner's opinion was inadequate as it did not consider the Veteran’s descriptions of his history and failed to specify which factors were applicable to him or why they related to his low back disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Degenerative Arthritis of the Lumbar Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 18, 2020
- Citation
- A20018847
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 A20018847.
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.
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- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of July 12, 2022, for a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing was denied as he does not meet the criteria due to his ability to independently ambulate with the use of braces.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeal, and the Board has no jurisdiction to review the appeal.
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