The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to October 27, 2015. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating and denied the claim for an increased rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s PTSD symptoms were considered in line with those contemplated by a 50 percent disability rating or lower, despite some listed symptoms being near-continuous depression affecting ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively as required for a 70 percent rating. Other symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Migraine headaches residual of TBI, Right wrist gunshot wound residuals with retained foreign body, Tinnitus, Bilateral hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- May 30, 2018
- Citation
- 18106015
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 18106015.
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 service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.
- Granted
Service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is granted. The appeal as to the issue of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction is dismissed.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a low back disorder was reopened, and his claims for increased ratings of bilateral knee instability were granted. His hearing loss claim was denied.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and dismissed his appeals regarding increased ratings for tinnitus and a right hand disability due to lack of timely filing of Notice of Disagreement.
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