The Veteran's PTSD is granted a rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The low back disability and GERD are denied ratings in excess of the current 40 percent and 10 percent respectively. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with asthma remains at its maximum 100 percent rating. Other conditions have either been denied or granted compensable ratings.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD symptoms, including depressed mood, chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss, flattened affect, difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships, and suicidal ideation, meet the criteria for a 70 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 9411. The low back disability does not show unfavorable ankylosis or forward flexion of less than 30 degrees, thus preventing a higher rating. GERD symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are currently rated at 10 percent. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with asthma remains at its maximum 100 percent rating.
- 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
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to ensure a proper examination and etiology opinion are provided.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and somatic symptom disorder, as well as presumptive service connection for basal cell carcinoma under the PACT Act. Service connection was denied for chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, right restless leg syndrome, left restless leg syndrome, an increased rating for psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, a left forehead surgical scar, and allergic rhinitis.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, as the Veteran did not have a diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder during the appeal period.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, and various musculoskeletal and skin disabilities.
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.