The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The right 5th metatarsal fracture was rated as 10 percent disabling, PTSD was rated at 30 percent, and left ulnar neuropathy (previously rated as carpal tunnel syndrome) was also rated at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- status post right 5th metatarsal fracture (claimed as right ankle and right foot) (now foot pain), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (also claimed as major depression), left ulnar neuropathy (claimed as wrist and elbow condition)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 3, 2019
- Citation
- 19176410
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.
- Granted
The Board granted an initial disability rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's right foot condition and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability from March 13, 2012.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.