The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis have been rated, but the claim for an earlier effective date for these conditions remains unresolved.,The Veteran's asthma has also been rated, but his claim for an earlier effective date is being remanded.
The deciding factor: The appeal involves rating decisions that are currently in effect and does not include any claims related to service connection or exposure basis. The issues pertain to the timing of effective dates for previously assigned ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder with Major Depressive Disorder, Lumbar Spine Degenerative Arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20030457
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 20030457.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's PTSD rating is restored to 50 percent, but his other orthopedic disabilities remain in dispute and require further review.,His cervical strain, DJD of the left knee, and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis are all rated below their maximum possible ratings due to lack of evidence showing they meet or approximate the criteria for higher ratings.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment from March 29, 2012, to April 23, 2025. The Board granted a TDIU during this period.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder with Major Depressive Disorder) is rated at 70 percent since October 5, 2015. This decision grants a higher initial rating for the condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied.,The Veteran's claims for a higher initial rating for lower back disability and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional examination and consideration.
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