The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for service connection for a thoracic spine disability was granted. A rating of 100 percent for PTSD, and ratings in excess of 10 percent for left knee and right knee disorders were denied. The Veteran's hiatal hernia and GERD received a 50 percent rating. TDIU benefits were granted from November 1, 2009 until January 31, 2010 and from September 1, 2011 until May 12, 2013. The Veteran's thoracic spine disability was remanded for further review.
The deciding factor: The evidence received since the August 2012 rating decision is new and material, raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim of service connection for a thoracic spine disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracic spine disability, PTSD, Left knee disorder, Right knee disorder, Left foot disorder, Hiatal hernia, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- May 5, 2021
- Citation
- 21027311
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 21027311.
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 Board of Veterans' Appeals has granted service connection for PTSD and Mood Disorders, both presumed conditions under the PACT Act.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was granted with an initial evaluation of 50 percent, effective September 24, 2007. The appeal regarding the heart condition and sleep disorder is denied. The Veteran's hearing loss prior to August 24, 2015, warrants a 20 percent rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that the Veteran meets the basic medical eligibility criteria for PCAFC benefits due to his need for personal care services based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury. However, further clinical evaluation is needed to determine if participation in the program is in the Veteran's best interest.
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