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 assigned
- None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 20062251.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.