The Board denied service connection for PTSD and an increased rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability. The Veteran was not diagnosed with PTSD, and his stressors were not verified. For the lumbar spine disability, the evidence did not show forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, nor did it indicate favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's reported stressors for PTSD were not corroborated and he did not serve in combat. The VA treatment records did not support a current diagnosis of PTSD. For the lumbar spine disability, the evidence showed forward flexion limited to 60 degrees with pain, but no ankylosis or other functional limitation.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) with lumbosacral strain, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and spinal stenosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 5, 2023
- Citation
- 23064126
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 23064126.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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