The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as he does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.,A 10 percent rating, but no higher, is granted for a sprain of the right third finger PIP joint due to pain without limitation of motion.,Service connection for costochondritis (Tietze Syndrome) is denied as there is no evidence meeting the service connection requirements.,The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, left shoulder impingement, and chronic lumbar strain are remanded for further review.
The deciding factor: PTSD requires a diagnosis conforming to DSM-IV or DSM-V criteria. The VA examiners determined the Veteran does not meet these criteria.,The sprain of the right third finger PIP joint results in pain without limitation of motion, warranting a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5229.,Costochondritis is rated by analogy to muscle injuries (Diagnostic Code 5321) as there is no evidence affecting joints or causing joint abnormalities.,The claims for sleep apnea, left shoulder impingement, and chronic lumbar strain are remanded due to the need for further evaluation of stressors and medical history.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Sprain of the Right Third Finger PIP Joint, Costochondritis (Tietze Syndrome), Sleep Apnea, Left Shoulder Impingement, Chronic Lumbar Strain
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 19, 2018
- Citation
- 18119640
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 18119640.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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