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
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.
- Denied
The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, finding the appellant's symptoms did not more closely approximate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD and a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of February 21, 2007, for the award of service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder with anxious distress.
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