Service connection for a low back disability, to include spinal stenosis is granted. An increased rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis are denied. The Veteran's GERD is rated at 60 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran has a current diagnosis of spinal stenosis, which he contends had its onset during his active duty service. His PTSD does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent. His GERD meets the criteria for a 60 percent rating based on symptoms including pain, vomiting, and hematemesis. The Veteran's bilateral foot disability does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back disability (spinal stenosis), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- May 14, 2021
- Citation
- 21029680
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 21029680.
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'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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