The Board found that the veteran's service-connected PTSD does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher 70 percent rating, as his symptoms do not include suicidal or homicidal ideation, spatial disorientation, neglect of personal appearance and hygiene, obsessional rituals which interfere with routine activities, near continuous panic attacks, or illogical speech. The current 50 percent rating adequately reflects the veteran's disability.
The deciding factor: The veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher 70 percent rating as defined by the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.
- Claimed conditions
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 12, 2008
- Citation
- 0842930
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0842930.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
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