The Veteran's initial compensable rating for tension headaches and initial staged ratings for PTSD prior to March 7, 2016, from May 1, 2016 through September 15, 2019, were denied. However, the Veteran was granted a 70% rating for PTSD from September 16, 2019, and his request for an increased rating in excess of 70% was denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show characteristic prostrating attacks or occupational/social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity as required for the initial compensable and staged ratings. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms were found to be productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70% rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Tension headaches, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- February 18, 2021
- Citation
- 21008885
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 21008885.
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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