The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was denied. The initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is denied. An initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for coronary artery disease prior to August 5, 2019 is also denied. A TDIU from August 5, 2019 is granted, subject to the laws and regulations governing the payment of VA benefits. The appeal for service connection for a prostate disability was withdrawn.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or service connection as per the diagnostic codes and symptomatology provided in the decision.
- Claimed conditions
- Acquired Psychiatric Disability (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder), Coronary Artery Disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 23, 2020
- Citation
- 20005778
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective July 20, 2021, but denied an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for obstructive sleep apnea.
- Denied
The Board denied earlier effective dates for the award of a 100 percent rating for PTSD and major depressive disorder, an earlier effective date for TDIU due to service-connected conditions, and a compensable rating for hypertension. The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and coronary artery disease were remanded.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his service-connected PTSD and coronary artery disease contributed to his death.
- Partly granted
The claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction was readjudicated, while the claims for coronary artery disease and acquired psychiatric disabilities were remanded.
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