The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that he has a current psychiatric disability related to active service.,Initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent are not warranted for the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities due to the lack of evidence showing limitation of motion or other disabling symptoms warranting higher ratings.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that the Veteran has a current psychiatric disorder related to active service. The VA examinations and opinions consistently determined that he did not meet full symptom criteria for PTSD, even though he experienced some PTSD symptoms.,For the right and left knee disabilities, the evidence does not show limitation of motion or other disabling symptoms warranting higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Psychiatric Disorder (claimed as PTSD), Right and Left Knee Disabilities
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 20, 2017
- Citation
- 1712920
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 1712920.
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 service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, IBS, and knee conditions, rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board granted the TDIU claim based on his combined rating of 80%.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and TDIU is granted.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new vocational rehabilitation evaluation to determine if he is entitled to additional VR&E services, including pursuing a career in journalism. The current evaluations are insufficient and do not consider his specific interests and aptitudes.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to August 14, 2020.,Since August 14, 2020, the Veteran has received a 100% evaluation for PTSD and SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).
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