The Veteran's depression is part of his service-connected PTSD and already considered in the assigned rating.,Psoriatic arthritis was not shown as chronic during service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period, and continuity of symptomatology is not established; therefore, it is denied.,COPD was not shown as chronic during service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period. The disability is also not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease, including exposure to herbicide agents; thus, it is denied.,Carcinoma of the back was not shown as chronic during service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period. The disability is also not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease, including exposure to herbicide agents; therefore, it is denied.,From May 15, 2008 to April 2, 2010, and from July 9, 2018, the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. From April 2, 2010 to July 9, 2018, the issue of TDIU is moot.
The deciding factor: The current rating assigned for PTSD already contemplates depressed mood.,There was no evidence of psoriatic arthritis during service or within a presumptive period. The disability is not otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease, including exposure to herbicide agents.,COPD was not shown as chronic during service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period. There is no evidence of continuity of symptomatology and it is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease, including exposure to herbicide agents.,Carcinoma of the back was not shown as chronic during service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period. The disability is also not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease, including exposure to herbicide agents.,The Veteran's PTSD rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from May 15, 2008 to April 2, 2010. From July 9, 2018, the issue of TDIU is moot.
- Claimed conditions
- depression, psoriatic arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), carcinoma of the back
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 22, 2020
- Citation
- 20062251
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20062251.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining in-service psychiatric treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's depression was rated at 50 percent prior to July 1, 2016. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. For TDIU, the Veteran had multiple service-connected disabilities but his education and work experience were sufficient for sedentary or light labor employment.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's depression was rated at 50 percent prior to September 27, 2017. From September 27, 2017, the rating for depression increased to 70 percent.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's respiratory disability, including asthma and COPD, is denied as service connection is not warranted due to the condition being solely attributed to smoking.
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