The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of verified in-service stressors. The temporary total ratings for right and left knee surgeries were also denied as the evidence did not show severe postoperative residuals or immobilization.,The Veteran's application for TDIU was denied because his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: There is no verified in-service stressor for PTSD, and the evidence does not show severe postoperative residuals or immobilization following knee surgeries.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the minimum percentage requirements for TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a), and there is insufficient additional service-connected disability to bring his combined rating to 70 percent or higher.
- Claimed conditions
- posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), residuals, right knee injury with semilunar cartilage dislocation, left knee dislocation with locking associated with status post left knee reconstruction, status post left knee reconstruction, degenerative joint disease associated with residuals, right knee injury with semilunar cartilage dislocation and surgical scar, tinnitus, left knee scar, status post reconstruction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 29, 2020
- Citation
- 20030105
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 20030105.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
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The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
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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