The veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by nightmares, flashbacks, paranoid feelings, occasional auditory hallucinations, difficulty concentrating and feelings of anger and sadness. The Board finds that the criteria for a 50 percent rating have been met.
The deciding factor: The VA treating psychiatrist assigned GAF scores of 60 and 70 prior to September 2000, but starting then an increased GAF score of 55 was noted, which aligns with the 30% disability rating. However, subsequent evaluations showed a significant decrease in functioning, warranting a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- December 2, 2003
- Citation
- 0333533
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 0333533.
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.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70 percent rating prior to March 7, 2022, while other claims were denied.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and GAD, as well as tinnitus.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, as it needs a medical opinion addressing the nature and etiology of the condition prior to October 16, 2023.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.
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