The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for dermatitis is granted. The appeal is granted to that extent only, as the initial rating for PTSD is granted at 70 percent and an effective date prior to June 8, 2016 is denied. An earlier effective date of June 8, 2015 for coronary artery disease bypass scar is granted, but no effective date prior to June 8, 2016 for service connection for allergic rhinitis or PTSD is granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran submitted new and material evidence relating to his dermatitis claim. The initial rating for PTSD was granted at 70 percent, but an earlier effective date of June 8, 2015 is denied due to the fact that the scar was present prior to the increased rating claim. An earlier effective date of June 8, 2015 for coronary artery disease bypass scar is granted.
- Claimed conditions
- dermatitis, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), allergic rhinitis, coronary artery disease bypass scar, cataracts
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- February 11, 2021
- Citation
- 21008061
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 21008061.
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 has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
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.