The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric condition, which includes PTSD and depressive disorder secondary to peripheral neuropathy, is currently rated at 50 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating as it does not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating (70% or 100%) due to lack of suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, intermittent illogical speech, near-continuous panic or depression affecting ability to function independently, impaired impulse control, spatial disorientation, neglect of personal appearance and hygiene, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, or inability to establish effective relationships.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depressive Disorder
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- November 22, 2021
- Citation
- A21018643
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 A21018643.
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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