The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for residuals of frostbite of both great toes and PTSD, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on current symptoms.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed mild to moderate symptoms without persistent severe or moderate swelling, tenderness, or redness in the affected areas, which precluded a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes. For PTSD, the appellant's GAF score was within normal limits and his occupational impairment was attributed to unrelated factors.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of Frostbite of the Right Great Toe, Residuals of Frostbite of the Left Great Toe, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 11, 2002
- Citation
- 0214215
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 0214215.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, finding the appellant's symptoms did not more closely approximate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD and a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of February 21, 2007, for the award of service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder with anxious distress.
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