The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted at a 20 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's PTSD and COPD are denied with ratings in excess of 10 percent prior to June 13, 2019, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter for PTSD, and in excess of 20 percent and 30 percent respectively for COPD. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s cervical spine disability was characterized by a combined range of motion not greater than 170 degrees, meeting the criteria for a 20 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The PTSD symptoms were found to be in the 'slight impairment range' with no more severe manifestations that would warrant higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine degenerative joint and disc disease, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Emphysema with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Lumbar spine disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 24, 2020
- Citation
- 20055762
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 20055762.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased rating and earlier effective date for PTSD have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and lumbar spine disability, as well as left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, were denied. The effective dates for these conditions are also denied.
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