The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and polysubstance abuse in sustained remission is currently rated as noncompensable effective May 28, 1997; and rated as 100 percent disabling effective September 7, 2005. The appeal period is from May 28, 1997 to September 7, 2005. The Veteran's PTSD has progressed over time, but the RO should attempt to retrieve any and all relevant treatment records that predate 2005, specifically records from Highland Dr.
The deciding factor: The severity of the Veteran's PTSD symptoms varied over time, with a significant worsening around 2006. The Board finds that the most probative records would be those dated between 1997 and 2005.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder, Polysubstance Abuse
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 19, 2018
- Citation
- 18159675
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 18159675.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
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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