The Veteran's PTSD with major depression and history of alcohol abuse is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his current level of disability. The evidence does not support a higher rating or TDIU.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher than 70 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders due to the lack of total occupational and social impairment, as evidenced by his ability to maintain employment and engage in some social activities. His GAF scores have fluctuated but generally remained within the range indicative of moderate symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depression, History of Alcohol Abuse
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- September 29, 2015
- Citation
- 1542107
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 1542107.
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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