The Veteran's PTSD and TBI residuals have been rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent since March 26, 2014. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examination reports and treatment records do not show total occupational and social impairment due to PTSD as required for a higher 100 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 9411, nor does it show severe cognitive impairment that would warrant a separate evaluation under the table titled 'Evaluation of Cognitive Impairment and Other Residuals of TBI Not Otherwise Classified'.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- May 8, 2018
- Citation
- 1828188
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 1828188.
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.
- 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.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial ratings for anxiety disorder and TBI were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder was denied, and he was granted a TDIU. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet criteria for a 100% disability rating.
- Granted
The Board granted entitlement to SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(t) effective January 21, 2019, based on the appellant's need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected TBI.
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