The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since August 18, 2009. The RO denied a higher rating for PTSD.,A 20 percent disability rating is granted for degenerative changes of the left talus bone in the left ankle from November 22, 2012.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that PTSD has caused deficiencies in most areas of the Veteran's life since August 2009. However, it does not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating due to lack of total occupational and social impairment.,Left ankle disability has been rated at 10 percent since October 2006. The evidence shows that functional loss from pain caused less than 5 degrees dorsiflexion and less than 10 degrees plantar flexion, warranting a 20 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Degenerative Changes of the Left Talus Bone in the Left Ankle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- January 28, 2026
- Citation
- 26001048
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 26001048.
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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