The Veteran's appeal was denied for service connection for PTSD and for increased ratings for his depressive disorder, lumbar strain with radiculitis, right tibia and fibula fracture residuals, and recurrent lumbar strain. The issue of TDIU is also pending.
The deciding factor: Service connection for PTSD was not established as the Veteran's appeal was based on a reopened claim after new evidence was submitted. Increased ratings were denied due to lack of medical evidence supporting higher disability levels.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depressive Disorder, not otherwise specified, Recurrent lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis and lumbar radiculitis, Right tibia and fibula fracture postoperative residuals with degenerative arthritis of the knee and shortening leg length discrepancy, left longer than right
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 27, 2014
- Citation
- 1438212
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1438212.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 23, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to February 15, 2005 due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his social and occupational functioning.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also met the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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