The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates, but granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to April 24, 2023, and an effective date of May 12, 2022, for DEA under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or earlier effective dates, but his service-connected disabilities precluded him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to April 24, 2023, and he became eligible for DEA under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 prior to that date.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Degenerative Arthritis (DA), Spinal Stenosis, Herniated Nucleus Pulposus (L4-5) Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS), Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy of the Sciatic Nerve, Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy of the Sciatic Nerve, Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy of the Femoral Nerve, Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy of the Femoral Nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 1, 2025
- Citation
- A25057004
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of February 21, 2007, for the award of service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder with anxious distress.
- Granted
The Board granted a rating of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), as the Veteran's symptoms most nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
- Granted
The Board granted a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD and a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.
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