The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder was denied. Claims for increased ratings for facet arthritis and degenerative disc disease, thoracolumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and cervical spine strain with degenerative changes, C5-C6, C6-C7 with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) were also denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claims for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder. The criteria for increased ratings were not met as there was no unfavorable ankylosis of the spine in any period on appeal.
- Claimed conditions
- posttraumatic stress disorder, facet arthritis and degenerative disc disease, thoracolumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), cervical spine strain with degenerative changes, C5-C6, C6-C7 with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 24, 2018
- Citation
- 18144166
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 18144166.
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's appeal for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer but remanded the claim for PTSD due to insufficient verification of stressor incidents.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found the eligibility determination for PCAFC enrollment to be legally inadequate and remanded for a new medical opinion that adequately addresses the criteria for eligibility as set forth in VA regulations.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for diabetes type II as secondary to a service-connected disability and an initial 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder, subject to the regulations governing the award of monetary benefits.
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