The Veteran's PTSD with major depression is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of his claim. The claims for service connection for low back and right elbow disabilities have been reopened and are granted. Increased ratings were granted for left carpal tunnel syndrome (prior to June 10, 2010) and left carpal tunnel syndrome (from June 10, 2010). An increased rating of 40 percent was granted for the left elbow disability. The Veteran's GERD with IBS is rated at 30 percent from January 31, 2013. Service connection has been established for right carpal tunnel syndrome. A TDIU was granted prior to September 30, 2009. The reduction in the left carpal tunnel syndrome rating from 40 percent to 20 percent effective January 31, 2013 is upheld.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD with major depression meets the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The claims for service connection have been reopened and are granted based on new evidence of current disabilities. Increased ratings were granted for left carpal tunnel syndrome (prior to June 10, 2010) and left carpal tunnel syndrome (from June 10, 2010). An increased rating of 40 percent was granted for the left elbow disability. The Veteran's GERD with IBS is rated at 30 percent from January 31, 2013. Service connection has been established for right carpal tunnel syndrome. A TDIU was granted prior to September 30, 2009. The reduction in the left carpal tunnel syndrome rating from 40 percent to 20 percent effective January 31, 2013 is upheld.
- Claimed conditions
- PTSD, Lumbar Spine Disability, Right Elbow Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- July 11, 2014
- Citation
- 1431173
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 1431173.
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 Board of Veterans' Appeals has granted service connection for PTSD and Mood Disorders, both presumed conditions under the PACT Act.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was granted with an initial evaluation of 50 percent, effective September 24, 2007. The appeal regarding the heart condition and sleep disorder is denied. The Veteran's hearing loss prior to August 24, 2015, warrants a 20 percent rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that the Veteran meets the basic medical eligibility criteria for PCAFC benefits due to his need for personal care services based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury. However, further clinical evaluation is needed to determine if participation in the program is in the Veteran's best interest.
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