The Veteran's claim for an increased initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms met the criteria associated with a 70 percent disability rating, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The VA contract examinations and private psychiatric assessments consistently indicated occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms during significant stress periods, which aligned with the current 70 percent evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bilateral iritis and uveitis, Tinnitus, Right shoulder disability, Bilateral dry eye syndrome, Right ear hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- December 16, 2020
- Citation
- 20079407
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 20079407.
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 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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.
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