The Veteran's claim for anxiety with depressive disorder (previously claimed as PTSD) is granted, effective July 1, 2009. The TDIU and DEA benefits are also granted from the same date.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran has been unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since November 6, 2003, due to his service-connected disabilities, including spinal stenosis of the lumbar region. The effective date is set at July 1, 2009, as this was when the Veteran filed a claim to reopen his previously denied PTSD issue.
- Claimed conditions
- left 4th digit proximal interphalangeal joint arthralgia, anxiety with depressive disorder (previously claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD))
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- April 14, 2020
- Citation
- 20025553
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 20025553.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The appeal is granted as his PTSD is now considered service-connected.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left leg disability is reopened, and the appeal is granted.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
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