The veteran's right elbow disorder is rated at 10 percent, and he has a combined evaluation of 80 percent from his service-connected disabilities. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an increased rating for the right elbow disorder. However, the veteran's multiple service-connected conditions collectively preclude him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not find any new or material evidence to reopen the claim of entitlement to an increased evaluation for the right elbow disorder. The combined effect of all his service-connected disabilities is considered in determining whether he can obtain and retain substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- olecranon spur with tendinopathy, triceps insertion, painful, right elbow, severe spondylosis of the cervical spine at C3-C7, degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine - mild to moderate, degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine at L5-S1, severe, without radiculopathy, benign prostatic hypertrophy with mild difficulty in passing urine, mild hypertension with cerebral ischemia, no coronary disease, mild mitral valve regurgitation, asymptomatic, leucopenia without any evidence of leukemia or lymphoma
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 21, 2004
- Citation
- 0428998
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 0428998.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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