The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 70 percent rating for PTSD prior to April 26, 2019 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an earlier effective date based on the Veteran's symptoms.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 30 percent rating for DDD of the cervical spine prior to April 26, 2019 was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show forward flexion of 15 degrees or less or favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms were best summarized as occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity for PTSD prior to April 26, 2019. There was no evidence showing impaired memory loss, illogical speech rate, tone or volume, poor hygiene, issue with impulse control, irritability leading to violence, or panic attacks.,For DDD of the cervical spine, there was full range of motion and no ankylosis of the entire lumbar spine prior to April 26, 2019. The Veteran's symptoms did not show the functional equivalent of ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the cervical spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 10, 2022
- Citation
- 22013908
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 22013908.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to December 27, 2019 for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no earlier claim document in the claims file and the Veteran did not timely perfect an appeal.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted as a result of military sexual trauma (MST) that occurred during service. The Board found the Veteran's testimony and supporting evidence credible, including her VA and private treatment records.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for TDIU is granted with an effective date of August 17, 2022. The decision also denies the Veteran's request for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) due to lack of need for aid and attendance or being housebound.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted eligibility to attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the October 2024 rating decision for an increased PTSD rating and denied TDIU.
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