The Veteran's service-connected pain disorder is currently rated at 70 percent from November 30, 2015 to January 8, 2020. The Board denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for the disability during this period.
The deciding factor: The severity, frequency, and duration of the Veteran's pain disorder symptoms did not more closely approximate total occupational and social impairment from November 30, 2015 to January 8, 2020.
- Claimed conditions
- pain disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- October 6, 2020
- Citation
- 20064947
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 vacated its previous decision denying a higher rating for the veteran's pain disorder due to procedural errors. The case was remanded for further review.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an earlier effective date of November 30, 2014, for the assignment of a 70 percent disability rating and TDIU, but denied an increased rating in excess of 70 percent for the pain disorder.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA psychiatric examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected pain disorder and its impact on his ability to work.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.