The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent for the period prior to March 28, 2016 and in excess of 10 percent thereafter. The lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent beginning March 28, 2016. PTSD symptoms are rated as total occupational and social impairment since March 26, 2016. OSA severity results in the use of a breathing assistance device but does not meet criteria for higher ratings.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right knee disability meets the criteria for a 10 percent rating based on limitation of flexion prior to March 28, 2016 and in excess of 10 percent thereafter. The lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent beginning March 28, 2016 due to localized tenderness resulting in abnormal gait or spinal contour. PTSD symptoms meet the criteria for a total rating since March 26, 2016. OSA severity meets the criteria for a 50 percent rating after January 31, 2014.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Knee Status Post Meniscal Tear, Lumbar Spine Osteoarthritis and Intervertebral Disc Syndrome, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 23, 2021
- Citation
- 21010001
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 21010001.
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 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.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also met the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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