The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,For his back disability, he is currently rated at 20 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,His right shoulder capsulitis is rated at 20 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,His left shoulder capsulitis is rated at 20 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,For his right elbow limited extension, he is currently rated at 10 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,For his right elbow impairment of supination and/or pronation, he is currently rated at 10 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,His GERD is rated at 10 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,For his right lower extremity radiculopathy, he is currently rated at 20 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not result in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas as required for a 70% rating. The current 50% rating adequately reflects his disability level.,His back disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine being greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees, or combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine being greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees.,His right shoulder and left shoulder capsulitis do not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion as they are both currently rated at 20%.,For his right elbow limited extension, he is already rated at 10%, which reflects the current level of disability.,For his right elbow impairment of supination and/or pronation, he is already rated at 10%, which reflects the current level of disability.,His GERD does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on symptoms such as dysphagia, pyrosis, and reflux without other productive symptoms.,For his right lower extremity radiculopathy, he is already rated at 20%, which reflects the current level of disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Compression fracture of T-12 with degenerative changes, Capsulitis of the right shoulder, Capsulitis of the left shoulder, Right elbow limited extension, Right elbow impairment of supination and/or pronation, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Right lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 13, 2022
- Citation
- A22025232
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 A22025232.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for Dupuytren's contracture of the left hand, right hand, and GERD is remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and failure to consider toxic exposure risk activities during service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, but the Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), finding that both conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lower back condition and sinusitis, respectively.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied service connection for bladder cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
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