The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder and radiculopathy, right lower extremity was denied. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms were rated at 50 percent, but his radiculopathy was granted a 40 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The severity of the Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not warrant a higher rating as they did not meet the criteria for a 70% rating due to lack of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The right lower extremity radiculopathy was rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating under DC 8520.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with Major Depressive Disorder, Radiculopathy, Right Lower Extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- July 24, 2024
- Citation
- A24040394
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 A24040394.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder caused significant occupational and social impairment, but not total impairment. The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent prior to September 26, 2019.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has resulted in occupational and social impairment, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The current 70 percent rating is maintained.
- Dismissed
The appeal for a higher rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder is dismissed as it constitutes an impermissible concurrent election under the rule against concurrent elections.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted, and his claims for increased ratings of degenerative arthritis of the spine with spinal stenosis, radiculopathy left lower extremity, and radiculopathy right lower extremity were also granted. The effective dates are not specified as they are based on when the claims were filed or denied.
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