The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and shoulder conditions, did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to February 12, 2020. His combined rating was at least 60% from August 19, 2009 through January 18, 2020.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular percentage thresholds for a TDIU and his functional impairment was considered moderate by VA examiners. The Board found that he could still be adequately compensated through the assigned ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Left Shoulder Acromioclavicular Degenerative Arthropathy, Right Shoulder Acromioclavicular Degenerative Arthropathy, Tinnitus, Bilateral Hearing Loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- December 23, 2020
- Citation
- 20080758
Veterans Law Judge
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 20080758.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 23, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to February 15, 2005 due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his social and occupational functioning.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.
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