The Board granted service connection for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, but denied increased ratings for degenerative arthritis with degenerative disc disease and left lower extremity radiculopathy.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms of the back disability most closely approximate the 20 percent rating criteria, while his left lower extremity radiculopathy does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. Service connection was granted based on the lay statements and positive medical nexus opinion from the private provider.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis with degenerative disc disease, Left lower extremity radiculopathy, Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 9, 2025
- Citation
- A25106089
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