The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for IVDS with degenerative arthritis and spinal fusion was denied. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU were granted effective February 25, 2021.,PTSD, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU were all granted effective February 25, 2021.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's IVDS with degenerative arthritis and spinal fusion was rated based on the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The evidence did not show ankylosis or incapacitating episodes that would warrant a higher rating.,PTSD, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU were granted effective February 25, 2021, as the Veteran filed his increased ratings claims on October 19, 2020.
- Claimed conditions
- Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with degenerative arthritis and spinal fusion, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Left lower extremity radiculopathy, Right lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- September 18, 2024
- Citation
- A24057629
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 A24057629.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board has granted effective dates of July 10, 2024 for service connection for PTSD, lumbar strain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has identified a contradiction in the AOJ's determinations regarding the Veteran's need for aid and assistance, which requires clarification. The remanded issues are entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another and on the basis of statutory housebound status.
- Denied
The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy was evaluated at a 20 percent rating, and the Board found that it did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.
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