The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied, and the initial rating of 10% for depressive disorder was also denied. The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is now rated at 50%, effective May 12, 2017. Service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies, left upper and lower extremity radiculopathies, and left ankle conditions were all denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not meet the criteria for PTSD based on the evidence of record at the time of the November 2012 rating decision. The correct facts as known to the VA adjudicators in November 2012 were that the Veteran had depressive disorder, but no PTSD. As such, a separate rating for PTSD was not warranted.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Disorder, Cervical Spine Condition, Lumbar Spine Condition, Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy (LLE), Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy (RLE), Left Upper Extremity Radiculopathy (LUE), Right Upper Extremity Radiculopathy (RUE), Left Ankle Condition
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- March 16, 2021
- Citation
- 21014975
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 21014975.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed as the claim was granted and effective from February 22, 2023.
- Granted
The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder, is rated at 70 percent effective from August 3, 2021. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected Depressive Disorder is causing him to require regular assistance in keeping himself clean and presentable, which may qualify him for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance. The case is being remanded to schedule a VA examination to assess this issue.
- Granted
The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of service connection (January 23, 2020), due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
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