The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are granted service connection, while her lumbar spine disability is granted a higher rating from March 22, 2017.
The deciding factor: Service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder was established based on credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors related to domestic violence. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 40% due to the presence of intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 2 weeks during any 12-month period.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder, Degenerative Joint Disease of the Lumbar Spine, Radiculopathy of the Lower Extremities
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 9, 2021
- Citation
- 21068075
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 21068075.
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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