The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent for the entire appeal period, and a higher rating is denied.,A TDIU is granted based on service-connected disabilities preventing substantially gainful employment.,Compensable ratings are not assigned for chronic post-traumatic headaches, left shoulder disorder, or lumbar strain with radicular pain and minimal scoliosis. These issues are remanded for further examination and opinion.,Service connection for a left shoulder disorder is remanded due to inadequate rationale in the previous VA examination.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD symptoms most nearly approximate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent rating. Total occupational and social impairment has not been demonstrated.,The Veteran’s service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.,Compensable ratings are not assigned due to insufficient evidence of the severity or etiology of the headaches, left shoulder disorder, and lumbar strain with radicular pain and minimal scoliosis. Further examination is needed.,Service connection for a left shoulder disorder cannot be established as there is no objective evidence linking it to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Chronic Post-traumatic Headaches, Left Shoulder Disorder, Lumbar Strain with Radicular Pain and Minimal Scoliosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 27, 2018
- Citation
- 18138836
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 18138836.
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
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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