The Veteran's PTSD was evaluated as 30 percent disabling prior to May 16, 2006. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms warranted a higher evaluation of 70 percent effective from May 16, 2006.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner noted that the Veteran's PTSD symptoms were manifested by recurrent nightmares and flashbacks; sleeplessness; angry outbursts, aggressive behavior, and impaired impulse control; restricted or constricted affect; anxious or depressed mood; crying spells; lack of contact with his children from two previous marriages; hypervigilance; exaggerated startle response, impoverished social relationships and a lack of interest in communicating with others; avoidant behavior; markedly diminished interest or participation in social activities; feelings of detachment or estrangement from others; intrusive thoughts and recollections; feelings of distrust and suspiciousness towards others; paranoid ideation and perceptual disturbances; isolation and feelings of hopelessness; extreme agitation and exhaustion; increased symptoms of arousal; work disruption caused by chronic alcoholism; limited insight into his chemical dependency; and occasional hallucinations and suicidal thoughts.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- February 17, 2012
- Citation
- 1206070
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 1206070.
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.
- 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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