The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for PTSD, as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 70% disability rating under Diagnostic Code 9411. For right shoulder and knee disabilities, the evidence showed no significant impairment warranting an increase beyond the current ratings. Service connection was denied for gastrointestinal and foot disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they did not cause occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking or mood.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Right Shoulder AC Joint Osteoarthritis, Left Knee Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Right Knee Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 15, 2021
- Citation
- 21063782
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 21063782.
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.
- 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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