The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective prior to and as of November 7, 1996. His residuals from a shell fragment wound to the left upper arm are rated at 20 percent. The initial rating for his right hand scar with ulnar nerve sensitivity remains at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as of November 7, 1996 due to his ability to maintain employment and occupational impairment that is not serious. His residuals from a shell fragment wound are moderately severe but do not warrant an increased rating. The initial rating for his right hand scar with ulnar nerve sensitivity remains at 10 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Residuals of a shell fragment wound to the left upper arm, Shell fragment wound scar to the right hand with ulnar nerve sensitivity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- May 23, 2002
- Citation
- 0205001
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 0205001.
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's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unemployable since March 20, 2014, and the Board granted an effective date of that date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).
- Partly granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was granted a rating of 100 percent, and service connection for migraines secondary to PTSD was also granted. The other issues were remanded.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date prior to September 1, 2023, for a 70 percent rating for PTSD.
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