ptsd Need Your Opinion

[Charleese]

Hi all,

The vet I helped in 2005 in the filing of his claim became 60% SC for his Prostate Cancer and over active bladder in 2007. He was denied PTSD in that 2007 decision and appealed every denial decision since. In 2007 he filed for TDIU and was granted 100% with a combined total rating of 60%. Today he was finally granted PTSD at 50% with a total combined rating of 80%. He will continue to get 100%.

Can someone give their opinion(s) as to how 60% and 50% add up to 80%. In essence how did he get a combine rating of 80% with the disabilities that he has.

Sorry I do not have his decision yet, he will give it to me tomorrow.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

[JustPLS]

I've always heard it explained in terms of "residual capacity".

The first rating of 60% disability left the veteran with 40% residual capacity. The 50% rating represents half of the remaining 40% residual capacity. Since half of 40% = 20%, that is the amount that will be added to the original 60%. 60% plus 20% is equal to 80%.

This is usually referred to on this site as "VA math", and can be found in detail in the disability rating calculators found on the home page. Hope this helps!

Edited October 7, 2010 by JustPLS