The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to July 16, 2019, and at 70 percent thereafter. The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy (median nerve) is rated at 30 percent for the right upper extremity and 20 percent for the left upper extremity. The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy is rated at 20 percent prior to July 15, 2019, and at 20 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have more closely approximated a 70 percent rating throughout the appeal period due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy (median nerve) is rated based on moderate incomplete paralysis of the median nerve bilaterally. The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy is rated based on moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve bilaterally.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran's PTSD symptoms have more closely approximated a 70 percent rating throughout the appeal period, which is less severe than what would be required for a 100 percent rating. The bilateral upper extremity and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are rated based on moderate incomplete paralysis of the respective nerves.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Peripheral Neuropathy of the Right Upper Extremity Median Nerve, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Left Upper Extremity Median Nerve, Sciatic Nerve Peripheral Neuropathy of the Right Lower Extremity, Sciatic Nerve Peripheral Neuropathy of the Left Lower Extremity, Femoral Nerve Peripheral Neuropathy of the Right Lower Extremity, Femoral Nerve Peripheral Neuropathy of the Left Lower Extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 2, 2023
- Citation
- 23006715
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 23006715.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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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