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
- Not verified here — check the original 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 18118615.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of his hemorrhoids, so the case is dismissed.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
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