The Veteran's appeal for a rating greater than 30 percent for PTSD prior to February 10, 2016 was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not show occupational and social impairment warranting such a higher rating during this period.,The appeals for service connection for low back disorder, migraine headaches, and chest pains radiating to left arm were also REMANDED as additional development is required.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to February 10, 2016 did not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 30 percent due to her mild or transient symptoms which decreased work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress.,Additional development is required as the appeals for service connection for low back disorder, migraine headaches, and chest pains radiating to left arm are in dispute.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Low Back Disorder, Migraine Headaches, Chest Pains Radiating to Left Arm, Patellar Chondromalacia, Right Knee Status Post Lateral Release with Instability
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 20, 2021
- Citation
- 21064574
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 21064574.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
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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