The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date for PTSD were denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not meet the criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent prior to January 12, 2004 or in excess of 50 percent on and after January 12, 2004.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed that PTSD symptoms were manifested by agitation, anxiety, depression, nightmares, social isolation, sleep impairment, tension, occasional panic, occasional hopelessness, occasional decreased concentration, and occasional decreased energy prior to January 12, 2004. On and after January 12, 2004, the Veteran's PTSD symptoms were manifested by intrusive memories, nightmares, sleep impairment, social isolation, circumstantial thoughts, irritability, impairment of recent memory, anxiety, a depressed mood, preoccupation with health concerns, excessive suspiciousness, and poor abstract abilities. The Board found that these symptoms did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent prior to January 12, 2004 or in excess of 50 percent on and after January 12, 2004.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 13, 2010
- Citation
- 1030454
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 1030454.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 23, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to February 15, 2005 due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his social and occupational functioning.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also met the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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