The Veteran's PTSD is granted a rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The low back disability remains at 40 percent. GERD and asthma are both denied ratings in excess of the current 10 percent. Sinusitis, left ankle scar, and left heel scar remain at their current 10 percent ratings. Folliculitis barbae is granted a rating prior to April 24, 2018, but not from that date forward. Service connection for right shoulder disability, left foot tendonitis, left flatfoot condition, and right flatfoot condition are all remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD symptoms meet the criteria for a 70 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 9411 due to his depressed mood, chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss, flattened affect, difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships, and suicidal ideation. The low back disability does not warrant an increased rating as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS). GERD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7399-7346. Sinusitis, left ankle scar, and left heel scar remain at their current 10 percent ratings as there is no evidence of incapacitating episodes or significant functional impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- PTSD, Low back disability, Gastroesophageal disorder (GERD), Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with asthma
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- October 26, 2020
- Citation
- 20069143
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,913 · Granted: 30% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 20069143.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board of Veterans' Appeals has granted service connection for PTSD and Mood Disorders, both presumed conditions under the PACT Act.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the current disabilities to military service.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was granted with an initial evaluation of 50 percent, effective September 24, 2007. The appeal regarding the heart condition and sleep disorder is denied. The Veteran's hearing loss prior to August 24, 2015, warrants a 20 percent rating.
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