The Veteran's unspecified trauma-related disorder is rated at 30 percent, the lowest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The disability picture does not warrant a higher rating as there are no symptoms of flattened affect, circulatory or gastrointestinal symptoms, or other criteria that would support a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 50 percent or higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders due to their severity and frequency. The examiner noted occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, which aligns with the current 30 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- unspecified trauma-related disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 8, 2021
- Citation
- 21068045
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 21068045.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of increased rating for unspecified trauma related disorder and service connection for PTSD due to in-service stressors. A new VA examination is required to determine the appropriate diagnosis and current severity of the Veteran's conditions.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an effective date prior to April 19, 2017 for the increased 70 percent evaluation of their service-connected unspecified trauma-related disorder with adjustment disorder with mixed anxious and depressed mood has been dismissed as the Board has already adjudicated these issues in July 2021 and March 2023.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's unspecified trauma-related disorder is granted, and the claim for OSA is remanded due to a duty to assist error.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected unspecified trauma-related disorder is granted a 50 percent rating, but no higher. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.
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