The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, increased evaluations for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, and compensable evaluation for cataracts were all denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression was also denied.
The deciding factor: There is no verified stressor event to support a diagnosis of PTSD. For the period prior to September 14, 2007, diabetes mellitus was controlled by a restricted diet and oral hypoglycemic agent; since then, it has been controlled by an oral hypoglycemic agent and a restricted diet. Hypertension requires continuous medication for control of blood pressure. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not due to his service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Left Lower Extremity, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Right Lower Extremity, Cataracts
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 7, 2009
- Citation
- 0917123
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 0917123.
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.
- 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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