The Veteran's low back disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, nocturnal clenching/bruxism and TMJ syndrome, and PTSD are all rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The Board has granted increased ratings for some conditions but denied others.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disabilities were found to meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating based on their severity as determined by the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease, intervertebral disc syndrome, and thoracic strain/degenerative joint disease (a low back disability), radiculopathy of the right lower extremity sciatic nerve, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity sciatic nerve, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity femoral nerve, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity femoral nerve, nocturnal clenching/bruxism and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- September 8, 2022
- Citation
- 22051034
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 22051034.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
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