The Board found that the veteran's PTSD did not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent from January 26, 1994 to December 28, 1998. From December 29, 1998 onwards, the criteria were met.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed that the veteran's PTSD symptoms did not meet or approximate the severity required for a higher rating during the period January 26, 1994 to December 28, 1998. However, from December 29, 1998 onwards, his symptoms were severe enough to warrant a 70 percent disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of an internal stye with cellulitis of the left eye, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- July 24, 2003
- Citation
- 0317437
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 0317437.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders and their relationship to service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral lower extremity conditions and PTSD, resulted in a loss of use of both lower extremities such that he is entitled to specially adapted housing.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, finding that these conditions are related to military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's right and left hand pain are granted increased ratings, while his PTSD is denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent.
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