The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 50 percent, but no higher, for other specified trauma/stressor related disorder was granted. The disability is characterized by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms have most closely approximated the criteria for a 50 percent initial rating due to his reduced reliability and productivity in work and social settings.
- Claimed conditions
- Other specified trauma/stressor related disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 4, 2021
- Citation
- 21012614
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 21012614.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorders has been denied. The evidence does not support an increase to the next higher rating.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's other specified trauma/stressor related disorder is rated at 70 percent, and his lower back pain is rated at 10 percent. The appeal for a higher rating for both conditions is granted.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for other specified trauma/stressor related disorder and depressive disorder, a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease lumbar spine prior to June 17, 2021, and in excess of 40 percent from that date, a rating in excess of 10 percent left knee strain, a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and entitlement to TDIU.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected psychiatric disorder, low back disability, left knee disability, and hearing loss. The RO must conduct new examinations to assess the current severity of these disabilities and issue an SOC regarding the effective dates of the awards.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.