The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 9411.,The Veteran's residuals of gunshot wound, right upper lobe, are currently rated at 30 percent, as there is no evidence of a severe muscle disability. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating based on his current symptoms and examination findings.,The Veteran's thoracotomy scar, right side, does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7802.
The deciding factor: The severity of the Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not rise to the level required for a higher rating (50 percent or more), as they are consistent with the current 30 percent rating.,There is no evidence of a severe muscle disability in the Veteran's residuals of gunshot wound, right upper lobe. The examination findings indicate only moderate weakness and fatigue due to the injury, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating (40 percent or more).,The Veteran's thoracotomy scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7802 as it is not associated with underlying soft tissue damage.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Residuals of gunshot wound, right upper lobe involving Muscle Group I, Thoracotomy scar, right side
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 9, 2022
- Citation
- A22022643
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 A22022643.
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: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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