The veteran was granted service connection for PTSD and assigned an initial 30 percent evaluation, which was later increased to 50 percent. The claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied as the evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to such symptoms as suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, impaired impulse control, spatial disorientation, neglect of personal appearance and hygiene, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, and inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. The claim for service connection for Hepatitis C was also denied as there is no evidence that it was incurred in or aggravated by active military service.
The deciding factor: The decision was based on the lack of evidence showing occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to PTSD symptoms, and the absence of a link between the veteran's Hepatitis C and his period of active duty service.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Hepatitis C
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- January 13, 2009
- Citation
- 0901289
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 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.
- Partly granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another since September 30, 2020.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for headaches and right hand strain, increased the ratings for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, dyshidrotic eczema, and hypertension, and denied service connection for Parkinsonism, pes planus/flat feet, GERD, tinea versicolor, allergic rhinitis, and tinnitus. The Board also granted a TDIU.
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