The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to the lack of verified in-service stressors.,For his right shoulder traumatic arthritis, a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to November 23, 2015 and in excess of 40 percent since that date were also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not provide credible evidence to support the occurrence of the claimed in-service stressors for PTSD. The lack of verified in-service stressors is a critical element of this appeal.,Before November 23, 2015, the Veteran's right shoulder disability was rated at 20 percent due to limited motion up to 85 degrees. After that date, his range of motion decreased significantly with abduction limited to 5 degrees and flexion up to 10 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Right Shoulder Traumatic Arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 24, 2019
- Citation
- 19149215
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, as it needs a medical opinion addressing the nature and etiology of the condition prior to October 16, 2023.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another since September 30, 2020.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for headaches and right hand strain, increased the ratings for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, dyshidrotic eczema, and hypertension, and denied service connection for Parkinsonism, pes planus/flat feet, GERD, tinea versicolor, allergic rhinitis, and tinnitus. The Board also granted a TDIU.
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.