The Veteran's PTSD, cervical spine disability, left foot disability, and other service-connected conditions are all rated at the highest possible level (70%), but his claims for low back disability, radiculopathy of the right leg, bilateral hearing loss, carpal tunnel syndromes, and elbow/thumb disabilities have been denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD is rated based on its severity as per Diagnostic Code 9411. The other conditions are not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking them to his active duty service or any service-connected disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Cervical Spine Disability, Left Foot Disability, Low Back Disability, Radiculopathy of the Right Leg, Bilateral Hearing Loss, Left Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Right Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Left Elbow Disability, Left Thumb Disability, Right Thumb Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- May 14, 2020
- Citation
- A20008615
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 A20008615.
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 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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.