The veteran's PTSD is manifested by impairment that most nearly approximates occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, which does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent. The veteran's only service-connected disability, PTSD, is not sufficient by itself to preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and industrial background.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show symptoms that would support a rating higher than 30 percent for the veteran's PTSD, including those necessary for a 50 percent rating such as flattened affect, panic attacks more than once a week, or significant social impairment. The veteran was able to maintain his employment and had only occasional difficulty performing occupational tasks.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- February 17, 2009
- Citation
- 0905767
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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