The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is granted. The Veteran's left and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome are each rated at 10 percent, effective July 1, 2016. The Veteran's service-connected left ankle strain is rated at 10 percent, effective February 23, 2016. The Veteran's service-connected right ankle arthritis is rated at 20 percent, effective February 23, 2016. The Veteran's scar, right ankle, TBI, and migraine headaches are not granted increased ratings.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports the grant of service connection for PTSD as it was related to in-service events. The Veteran’s left and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome were rated based on painful noncompensable limitation of motion. The Veteran's service-connected left ankle strain is rated at 10 percent effective February 23, 2016, the date of examination showing marked limitation of motion. The Veteran's service-connected right ankle arthritis was also rated at 20 percent effective February 23, 2016.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Migraine Headaches, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Right Knee Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Scar, Right Ankle, Service-Connected Left Ankle Strain, Service-Connected Right Ankle Arthritis, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 16, 2019
- Citation
- 19154829
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 19154829.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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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