The claim for PTSD has been reopened and granted. The rating for dysthymic disorder remains at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The case of TDIU is remanded.
The deciding factor: New evidence submitted after the June 2007 RO decision provided sufficient material to reopen the claim for PTSD. The current symptoms align with a 50% disability rating for dysthymic disorder, but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating of 70%. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are found to be adequately evaluated and do not render him unemployable.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Dysthymic Disorder
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- September 18, 2018
- Citation
- 18135958
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 18135958.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
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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