The Veteran's other specified trauma/stressor related disorder is rated at 70 percent, and his lower back pain is rated at 10 percent. The appeal for a higher rating for both conditions is granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms more closely approximated the criteria for a 70 percent rating for other specified trauma/stressor related disorder due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including suicidal ideation and impaired impulse control. The lower back pain did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there was no evidence of forward flexion less than 30 degrees or combined range of motion greater than 120 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- Other specified trauma/stressor related disorder, Lower back pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- August 22, 2024
- Citation
- A24049156
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 A24049156.
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 Veteran's claims for entitlement to service connection for right knee pain and lower back pain due to insufficient medical evidence on file.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. The claims for lower back pain and obstructive sleep apnea were remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities resulted in the need for aid and attendance as he requires care or assistance on a regular basis to feed himself, keep himself clean and presentable and protect himself from the hazards or dangers inherent in his daily environment.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for lower back pain, LLE radiculopathy, IBS, CFS, and bilateral hearing loss. The increased rating claim for PTSD was denied, and the appeal for GAD was dismissed as moot.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.