Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for PTSD was denied by the Board in September 2009. The case is now being remanded to consider whether a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) should be considered, and to obtain updated medical evidence including a VA examination.

The deciding factor: The Board's decision did not address the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(c) (1994), which is relevant for claims involving TDIU when only one service-connected disability is assigned a compensable rating.

Claimed conditions
posttraumatic stress disorder
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
70%
Decision date
September 3, 2010
Citation
1033418

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 1033418.

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.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.

This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.