The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and traumatic amputation of the left hand, are found to require regular aid and attendance due to his physical limitations and mental health issues. The Board has granted an increased rate of SMC based on this need.
The deciding factor: The service-connected conditions cause significant functional impairment in multiple body systems, necessitating assistance with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and feeding.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic amputation of the long, ring, and little fingers of the left hand, Type II diabetes mellitus with bilateral cataracts, Diabetic neuropathy of the right lower extremity associated with Type II diabetes mellitus, Diabetic neuropathy of the left lower extremity associated with Type II diabetes mellitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- January 19, 2012
- Citation
- 1201967
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 1201967.
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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