The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent from July 30, 2019 was dismissed. A 70 percent disability rating for PTSD with TBI is granted from August 28, 2018 to July 30, 2019. The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for PTSD with TBI prior to August 28, 2018 was denied. A 20 percent disability rating for chronic dry eye syndrome associated with PTSD with TBI is granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran withdrew his request for an increased rating for PTSD and TBI from July 30, 2019 in March 2020, effectively dismissing the appeal. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms prior to August 28, 2018 more closely approximated a 50% disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Chronic Dry Eye Syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- April 11, 2023
- Citation
- 23021898
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 23021898.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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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