The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of service-connected radiculopathy and PTSD with TBI were denied. The Veteran was granted a 50 percent rating for PTSD effective December 11, 2021.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support the need for higher disability ratings based on the severity of symptoms and functional impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- radiculopathy (left lower extremity), radiculopathy (right lower extremity)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- October 31, 2023
- Citation
- A23030409
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 A23030409.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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 determined that the VA examinations are not adequate for rating purposes and requires a new examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's lumbar strain, radiculopathy (right lower extremity), and radiculopathy (left lower extremity).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim of service connection for back impairment has been reopened, but the claims for right lower extremity radiculopathy, right leg impairment other than radiculopathy (to include varicose veins), right shoulder impairment, and respiratory disorder are still pending as they require further development.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed. The Board found that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the previously denied claims of service connection for a back disability, right arm disability, radiculopathy (right lower extremity), and radiculopathy (left lower extremity).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for inguinal hernia. The claims for back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, myeloma, peripheral neuropathy (left upper extremity), peripheral neuropathy (left lower extremity), radiculopathy (right lower extremity), and an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder) are remanded.
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