The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 70% for PTSD with polysubstance dependence from October 10, 2019 was dismissed. An initial 70% rating for PTSD with polysubstance dependence prior to October 10, 2019 is granted and TDIU is also granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms more nearly approximated a 70% disability rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking or mood. The combined effect of his service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable prior to October 10, 2019.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Polysubstance Dependence
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- January 13, 2021
- Citation
- 21002395
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 21002395.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
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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