The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified bipolar and related disorder was denied increased ratings prior to September 28, 2020 and from that date onwards. His back disability (IVDS with degenerative changes) was also denied an increased rating. The effective date for the assignment of a 50% disability rating for PTSD with unspecified bipolar and related disorder was granted as August 14, 2017. Claims to reopen service connection for left knee disorder, right knee disorder, right hand disorder, and neck disorder were granted, while claims to reopen service connection for chest condition and jaw condition were denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50% prior to September 28, 2020 or in excess of 70% thereafter for PTSD with unspecified bipolar and related disorder. The Veteran's back disability was also found not to warrant an increased rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic-stress disorder (PTSD) with unspecified bipolar and related disorder, Back disability characterized as intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 4, 2022
- Citation
- 22006689
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 22006689.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
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The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
- 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.
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