The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent from October 18, 2010 to April 14, 2015 and then increased to 70 percent thereafter. The left knee subpatellar tendonitis warranted a separate 10 percent rating, while the left ankle sprain did not warrant an increase beyond its current 10 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas since April 2015, meeting the criteria for a 70% disability rating. The left knee subpatellar tendonitis has been rated separately at 10%, reflecting its distinct nature from the PTSD.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Left Knee Subpatellar Tendonitis, Left Ankle Sprain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- July 27, 2017
- Citation
- 1729707
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 1729707.
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 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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