The Veteran's PTSD with MDD was primarily manifested by feelings of sadness, low self-worth, lack of motivation, anhedonia, difficulty concentrating, social isolation, reduced appetite, sleep disturbances, anger, and occasional suicidal ideation. These symptoms did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent prior to May 14, 2014.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's psychiatric disability was primarily manifested by symptoms that were consistent with a 50% or less disabling condition under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders, as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment (100%) due to gross impairment in thought processes or communication.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- September 18, 2017
- Citation
- 1740429
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 1740429.
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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