The Veteran's initial disability rating for his acquired psychiatric disability, characterized as PTSD, is denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment warranting a higher rating of 100 percent. For TDIU, the Veteran was also denied because he failed to meet the threshold minimum percentage standards set by VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability manifested symptoms consistent with a 30-70% disability rating but did not demonstrate total occupational and social impairment required for a higher rating of 100%. The evidence also did not support a finding that the Veteran was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic-Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- June 10, 2019
- Citation
- 19144224
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 Veteran's PTSD, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, left foot disorder, right foot disorder, and back disorder have all been denied service connection. Additionally, the Veteran's claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) prior to July 1, 2017 has also been denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD prior to December 28, 2009 is denied. The Board has also remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
- 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.
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