The Veteran's PTSD with secondary polysubstance abuse is rated at 70 percent since December 31, 2015. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating of 100 percent due to total occupational and social impairment.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms were evaluated against the General Formula for Mental Disorders (General Formula) which considers all associated symptoms, regardless of whether they are listed as criteria. The Board found that his symptoms did not meet the severity, frequency, and duration required for a 100 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Polysubstance abuse
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- May 10, 2021
- Citation
- 21028062
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 21028062.
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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