The Veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings for PTSD and left lower extremity neuropathy was denied. The initial rating of 30 percent for PTSD has been maintained, while the initial rating of 10 percent for left lower extremity neuropathy from January 22, 2009 forward is now at its maximum allowable under VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating based on his service-connected PTSD and left lower extremity neuropathy. The current ratings are considered to be appropriate given the severity of his symptoms, which have been rated as mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Compression neuropathy of the left lower extremity with intermittent paresthesias of the left foot
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- February 11, 2016
- Citation
- 1605491
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 1605491.
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'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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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