The Veteran's PTSD symptoms cause occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.,Low back strain with degenerative changes causes loss of forward flexion to 90 degrees prior to September 20, 2019 and to 60 degrees thereafter.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they are consistent with the current 30 percent and 20 percent ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Low Back Strain with Degenerative Changes, Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, Right Rotator Cuff Strain with Chronic Pain, Recurrent Right Ankle Sprain, Neurogenic Bladder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 18, 2020
- Citation
- 20054570
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 20054570.
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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