The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder, NOS have been rated at 70 percent since November 25, 2008. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they primarily include nightmares, avoidance tendencies, mood swings, anger outbursts, impaired impulse control, hypervigilance, chronic sleep impairment, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have been rated based on their impact on occupational and social functioning, with symptoms such as suicidal ideation, anger outbursts, and interpersonal conflict being the primary factors considered.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depressive Disorder, NOS
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- May 13, 2020
- Citation
- 20033484
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 20033484.
What this means for you
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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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