The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 50 percent for PTSD with associated depressive disorder NOS prior to December 20, 2017 is denied. The claim for a TDIU due to service-connected PTSD with associated depressive disorder NOS prior to December 20, 2017 remains pending.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders as his impairment was limited to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to flattened affect, panic attacks more than once per week, difficulty understanding complex commands, impaired judgment, disturbances of motivation and mood, and suicidal ideation.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depressive Disorder NOS
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- October 26, 2021
- Citation
- 21065587
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 21065587.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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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