In a recent victory for our client, a veteran seeking an increased rating for service-connected PTSD, VA agreed the Board of Veterans’ Appeals erred when it denied our client’s claim. VA’s attorneys agreed with us that the Board failed to conduct a holistic analysis of our client’s PTSD symptoms, resulting in an inadequate rating assessment.

The Board should evaluate the severity, frequency, and impact of PTSD symptoms on social and occupational function. Yet, it dismissed evidence of severe symptoms—such as panic attacks, night terrors, memory problems, irritability, and frequent anger outbursts. Our client’s wife even described feeling fear during these outbursts. The Board erred when it minimized this testimony, citing only partial, lower-level symptoms.

The Court ruled that the Board must consider all relevant evidence, including credible lay testimony, when evaluating mental health symptoms. It should have analyzed whether these intense symptoms matched criteria for a higher rating as they indicate a more significant impairment. Additionally, the Board neglected to analyze how these symptoms impact our client’s daily functioning, as required by the Court’s precedent. The Board must assess functional impact alongside the frequency and intensity of symptoms to assign an accurate rating.

This decision mandates a remand for a proper, evidence-based assessment. The Court’s ruling ensures that the VA takes a thorough, compassionate approach when evaluating veterans’ mental health claims, considering every detail of their lived experiences. Our team remains committed to supporting veterans’ rights to fair compensation for their sacrifices.

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