The Board has decided that the reduction in the evaluation for PTSD from 70 to 50 percent was not proper. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have included trauma recall and intrusive memories, avoidance, negative cognitive and mood changes, irritability, an exaggerated startle response, worry about work and finances, recurrent difficulty controlling worry, poor concentration, chronic sleep disturbance, verbal impulsivity, suspiciousness, depressed mood, anxiety, near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately, and effectively, impaired judgement, disturbances of motivation, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances (such as work or a work-like setting), inability to establish and maintain effective relationships, obsessional rituals, impaired impulse control, memory problems, angry outbursts, and aggressive behavior. The Board has also decided that the Veteran's PTSD is more than 70 percent disabling and requires a new examination.

The deciding factor: The reduction in the evaluation for PTSD from 70 to 50 percent was not proper based on the evidence of record at the time of the reduction, which did not show an actual improvement in the Veteran’s ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

Claimed conditions

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating

Not verified here — check the original decision

Decision date

August 7, 2019

Citation

19161011

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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 19161011.