The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, cervical strain, lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremities, have prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to May 29, 2013. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) on an extraschedular basis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, cervical strain, lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremities, have prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation due to his substance abuse linked to PTSD and physical limitations caused by his lumbar spine disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Cervical strain, Lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease, Radiculopathy of the left lower extremities
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- June 4, 2022
- Citation
- 22032786
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 22032786.
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 Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for cervical strain, service connection for left leg pain (claimed as joint pain), and service connection for a left ear hearing condition are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.
- 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.
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