The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and frostbite residuals of the lower extremities, do not render him unemployable due to their severity.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected conditions are rated at a combined rating of 60 percent, which meets the threshold minimum for TDIU. However, his age and other unrelated factors (such as depression/dysthymic disorder) prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Frostbite residuals of the right lower extremity, Frostbite residuals of the left lower extremity, Right lower extremity neuropathy, Left lower extremity neuropathy, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- May 7, 2009
- Citation
- 0917198
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 0917198.
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 is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has identified a contradiction in the AOJ's determinations regarding the Veteran's need for aid and assistance, which requires clarification. The remanded issues are entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another and on the basis of statutory housebound status.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased rating and earlier effective date for PTSD have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for a right knee scar secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability status post knee replacement. However, the rating for PTSD remains at 30 percent and needs to be re-adjudicated due to a failure to obtain private mental health treatment records.
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