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 assigned
- 30%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 21068045.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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