The Board denied increased ratings for PTSD, right shoulder DJD, and right wrist sprain but granted a 10% rating for residuals of medial meniscus tear in the right knee. The Veteran was also awarded TDIU from February 29, 2020.
The deciding factor: The severity of the Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for a higher rating; his right shoulder DJD and right wrist sprain did not show sufficient impairment to warrant increased ratings. However, there was evidence supporting a separate 10% rating for the residuals of medial meniscus tear in the right knee. The Board also found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from February 29, 2020.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Right shoulder degenerative joint disease (DJD), Right knee strain with chondral lesions, Residuals of right knee medical meniscus tear, Right wrist sprain, Right wrist post-surgical scars
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 2, 2025
- Citation
- A25040594
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,810 · Granted: 23% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 A25040594.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine strain, right wrist sprain, right knee strain, left knee strain, and right ankle strain. The disabilities are all deemed to have begun during the Veteran's active duty.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has identified a contradiction in the AOJ's determinations regarding the Veteran's need for aid and assistance, which requires clarification. The remanded issues are entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another and on the basis of statutory housebound status.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased rating and earlier effective date for PTSD have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal.
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