The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a current diagnosis of sleep apnea, and her lumbar spine disability was rated based on limitation of motion rather than IVDS. Her skin disability met criteria for a 10% rating since May 30, 2018. PTSD symptoms did not meet criteria for TDIU, but the Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded her from securing and following substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that there was no current diagnosis of sleep apnea and insufficient evidence to support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation of this condition. The lumbar spine disability met criteria for a 10% rating based on limitation of motion, but not IVDS. The skin disability met the percentage requirements for a 10% rating since May 30, 2018. PTSD symptoms did not meet criteria for TDIU.
- Claimed conditions
- sleep apnea, lumbar spine disability, skin disability, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 31, 2019
- Citation
- 19159166
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 19159166.
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
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The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
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