The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating due to symptoms that do not meet the criteria for a 70 percent rating.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability with cervical strain is currently rated at 20 percent and does not warrant an increase in rating as his range of motion meets the current criteria for this rating level.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability with lumbar strain is currently rated at 20 percent and does not warrant an increase in rating as his range of motion also meets the current criteria for this rating level.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran’s PTSD results in occupational and social impairment, but not to a degree that warrants a higher rating.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability with cervical strain does not result in more than the currently assigned 20 percent rating due to his range of motion meeting the criteria for this level.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability with lumbar strain also does not warrant an increase in rating as his range of motion meets the criteria for a 20 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Degenerative Arthritis of the Cervical Spine with Cervical Strain, Degenerative Arthritis of the Lumbar Spine with Lumbar Strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 19, 2021
- Citation
- 21022902
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 21022902.
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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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