PTSD is currently manifested by ongoing symptoms of depression, difficulty sleeping due to nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, irritability, exaggerated startle response, hypervigilance, problems with concentration, social isolation, and difficulty concentrating. The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores range from 35-50, resulting in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas but without total occupational and social impairment. PTSD is therefore rated at 70 percent disabling.
The deciding factor: The VA examination report indicates that the appellant presents symptoms consistent with moderately severe to severe PTSD, which aligns with a 70 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 9411 of the Rating Schedule for Psychiatric Disorders.
- Claimed conditions
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- November 9, 2009
- Citation
- 0942554
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 0942554.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and dismissed his appeals regarding increased ratings for tinnitus and a right hand disability due to lack of timely filing of Notice of Disagreement.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent level, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal of the denial for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed because the issue was already under review through Higher-Level Review.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU.
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