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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A24049156.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
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