The Board granted service connection for cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, a 70 percent initial rating for PTSD since July 1, 2014, and a 10 percent rating for TMJ with bruxism. The remaining claims were denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's current cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities had in-service onset, and his PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas during the appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- cervical spine disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bilateral hearing loss, alopecia, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) with bruxism, strain of the left-hand ring finger, strain of the left-hand index finger
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 3, 2025
- Citation
- A25048828
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 Veteran was granted a 70 percent initial disability rating for PTSD effective December 2, 2021, but the claim for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent was denied. The appeal also included claims for service connection and ratings for various conditions, some of which were granted while others were remanded.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of October 17, 2022, for the grant of service connection for PTSD.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for headaches and increased ratings for left shoulder rotator cuff tear, right shoulder rotator cuff tear, hypertension, and left and right leg restless leg syndrome. The Board denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder.
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.