The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent since July 2013 and denied for an increased rating greater than 70 percent.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show total occupational or social impairment, which would be required for a 100% rating. The Veteran maintains employment as a vocational rehabilitation specialist and attends school for his Master of Social Work degree.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with Major Depressive Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- April 18, 2019
- Citation
- A19000328
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
The Board granted an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder, effective September 21, 2022.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.