The Veteran's service connection for thoracolumbar spine degenerative joint disease with degenerative disc disease and a maximum 100 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder from August 23, 2023, were granted; however, the claim for a higher rating for chronic bronchitis was denied.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine degenerative joint disease with degenerative disc disease manifested during active service and his posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms resulted in total social and occupational impairment. However, the pulmonary function testing did not meet the criteria for a higher rating for chronic bronchitis.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbar spine degenerative joint disease with degenerative disc disease, posttraumatic stress disorder, chronic bronchitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 8, 2025
- Citation
- A25032085
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for asthma and remanded claims for insomnia and sleep apnea. Other conditions were denied.
- Dismissed
The appeal for a temporary total evaluation because of hospital treatment in excess of 21 days for service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder was withdrawn by the Veteran's representative and is therefore dismissed.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for chronic bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, and rhinitis were granted. The claims for service connection for right hand disability, right shoulder disability, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, erectile dysfunction, bilateral shoulder disability, and left wrist disability were remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for asthma, bronchitis, and COPD due to inadequate medical opinions.
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