The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for low back strain, left foot fasciitis, right foot fasciitis, seborrheic dermatitis, or hemorrhoids. The initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD prior to September 2, 2014 and TDIU based solely on service-connected PTSD since August 17, 2012 were granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show any additional functional impairment beyond what was already reflected in the current rating of 20 percent for low back strain. The Veteran's foot conditions and dermatitis also met their respective criteria for a non-compensable rating. The initial PTSD rating of 70 percent prior to September 2, 2014 and TDIU based solely on service-connected PTSD since August 17, 2012 were granted as the evidence showed that the Veteran's PTSD alone precluded her from securing or following a substantial gainful occupation.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain, Left foot fasciitis with calcaneal spur and flatness, Right foot fasciitis with calcaneal spur and flatness, Seborrheic dermatitis, Hemorrhoids
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 17, 2018
- Citation
- 18118615
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 18118615.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of his hemorrhoids, so the case is dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's hearing loss and low back strain claims are remanded for further evaluation. The hearing loss claim is denied, while the low back strain claim requires additional examination to determine its severity.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for her service-connected hemorrhoids was denied as the evidence did not show large or thrombotic, irreducible hemorrhoids with excessive redundant tissue, evidencing frequent recurrence.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for low back strain, left shoulder, and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) based on evidence showing a causal relationship to in-service events or injuries.
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.