The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not met the criteria for a higher rating. The thoracolumbar spine disability has been rated at 40 percent since February 4, 2020 and denied any higher ratings. The bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted initial 20 percent ratings.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they were only productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. For the thoracolumbar spine disability, the evidence showed that the Veteran’s range of motion was limited to less than 60 degrees prior to February 4, 2020, and less than 20 degrees thereafter, which did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Thoracolumbar Spine Disability, Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- March 8, 2021
- Citation
- 21012992
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 21012992.
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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