The Veteran's depressive disorder symptoms most closely approximated those contemplated by a 70 percent rating from January 29, 2013, to January 4, 2016, and since May 1, 2016. The bilateral pes planus symptoms most closely approximated those contemplated by a 10 percent rating from January 20, 2011, to September 2, 2015. The reduction in the left shoulder disability rating was improper, and restoration of the prior rating is warranted. The reduction in the right shoulder disability rating was improper, and restoration of the prior rating is warranted.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not establish objective improvement in the Veteran's overall functional impairment or in the frequency and severity of the symptomatology associated with the bilateral shoulder disabilities at the time of the February 2015 rating decision.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Disorder, Bilateral Pes Planus, Left Shoulder Disability, Right Shoulder Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- October 20, 2017
- Citation
- 1746968
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 1746968.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed as the claim was granted and effective from February 22, 2023.
- Remanded (sent back)
The claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities are remanded. The claim for sleep disorder (claimed as sleep apnea) remains denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an effective date before April 1, 2018 for a 20% rating for left shoulder disability was denied. The appeal also resulted in the assignment of a 20% rating from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2018, and a TDIU granted from April 1, 2018 to September 3, 2025.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities, finding insufficient evidence to establish an in-service event or injury related to his shoulders. The Veteran's current shoulder conditions are not linked to his military service.
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