The Board denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and depressive disorder, granted a 40 percent rating for arthritis of the lumbar spine (claimed as lower back condition), and denied a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in most areas due to occupational and social impairment, but he was granted a 40 percent rating based on his arthritis of the lumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive disorder, Arthritis of the lumbar spine (claimed as lower back condition), Left ear hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 9, 2025
- Citation
- A25042076
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's left knee strain, service connection for right ear hearing loss, and service connection for a right ankle disorder. Other claims were denied or remanded.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 5, 2018, for the award of service connection for PTSD and denied earlier effective dates for erectile dysfunction, left ear hearing loss, migraines, and other conditions.
- Dismissed
The appeals for service connection for right ear hearing loss and a compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss were dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals at a December 2024 Board hearing. The remaining claims are being remanded for further development.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's appeals for increased ratings and remanded certain issues, including TDIU and SMC.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.