The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to July 21, 2019 and denied a higher rating. From July 21, 2019, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent and also denied a higher rating. The Veteran was granted service connection for tinnitus but not for bipolar disorder or an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (depression). Service connection for addiction and substance abuse-related psychiatric disorders was granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s PTSD did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it did not cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships, or other symptoms listed in the 50 percent disability evaluation criteria under Diagnostic Code 9411.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression, Addiction and Substance Abuse
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- October 27, 2020
- Citation
- 20069281
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of February 21, 2007, for the award of service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder with anxious distress.
- Granted
The Board granted a rating of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), as the Veteran's symptoms most nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
- Granted
The Board granted a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD and a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.
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