The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70% disability rating effective April 19, 2016. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been manifested by symptoms such as anxiety and panic attacks, chronic sleep problems, irritability, hypervigilance, an exaggerated startle response, problems with concentration, depressed mood, intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, suicidal ideation, problems with work, and relationship difficulties. The Board found that a 70% disability rating is warranted for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral pes planus with metatarsalgia and entitlement to TDIU are remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms, including anxiety, panic attacks, chronic sleep problems, irritability, hypervigilance, an exaggerated startle response, problems with concentration, depressed mood, intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, suicidal ideation, problems with work, and relationship difficulties, more nearly approximate occupational and social impairment in most areas of the Veteran's life.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bilateral Pes Planus with Metatarsalgia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 14, 2022
- Citation
- 22040369
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 22040369.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
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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