The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not show an increase in severity of his lumbar radiculopathy or degenerative disc disease and IVDS prior to receipt of his September 2018 claim. The Veteran was currently rated at 20 percent for each issue.
The deciding factor: The most probative evidence did not show an increase in the severity of the Veteran's conditions prior to the filing of his claims, thus preventing a higher rating from being granted.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine, Lumbar radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), left lower extremity, Lumbar radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 14, 2024
- Citation
- 24012050
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 24012050.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Denied
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- Denied
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- 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.
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