The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,Service connection for thoracic spinal stenosis with myelopathy has been denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or etiology.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD does not more closely approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation, as his disability results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.,There is insufficient credible evidence to establish service connection for thoracic spinal stenosis with myelopathy or a back scar from a stab wound.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Thoracic spinal stenosis with myelopathy, Back scar from a stab wound
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 1, 2015
- Citation
- 1550320
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 1550320.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective August 13, 2024, based on his service-connected PTSD with MDD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD with MDD may have resulted in total occupational and social impairment prior to October 16, 2024. However, there is insufficient medical evidence of record to make a proper determination on this issue as previous VA mental health examinations did not provide necessary information concerning occupational and social impairment or consider the Veteran's spouse's report.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with MDD prior to March 8, 2021 is being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. A retrospective VA examination is needed to assess the severity of his symptoms during the relevant period.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for PTSD with MDD was denied, and the Board has remanded the case to consider a TDIU claim. The decision also found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a total social impairment due to her PTSD.
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.