The Veteran's initial higher rating for PTSD was denied prior to March 29, 2016. From that date, a 70 percent disability rating has been granted.,From March 29, 2016 onwards, the Veteran is entitled to a 70 percent disability rating for his service-connected PTSD.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating prior to March 29, 2016. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's symptoms were primarily characterized by depressed mood, anxiety, and disturbances of motivation and mood, which are associated with a 50 percent disability rating.,From March 29, 2016 onwards, the evidence showed significant impairment in most areas, including work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The VA examiner found that these symptoms met the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- February 17, 2021
- Citation
- 21008412
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 21008412.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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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