The Board has determined that the appellant withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation for headaches, currently rated as 50 percent disabling. For the period from October 1, 1997 to August 21, 2007, a disability rating of 50% is granted for chronic adjustment disorder. For the period after August 20, 2007, a disability rating in excess of 70% is not warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance from another person, resulting in the grant of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The issue of SMC at the housebound rate is dismissed as it is a lesser benefit than SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected chronic adjustment disorder, residuals of foot injury with inability to flex toes, right knee injury with laxity, and residuals right hand injury including flexion deformities fourth and fifth digits. The Board found that these service-connected conditions caused or aggravated the Veteran's obesity, which in turn caused his sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, chronic adjustment disorder, depressive disorder, PTSD, and anxiety disorders, are etiologically related to service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of March 1, 2019 for the award of a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA). The TDIU was awarded due to service-connected disabilities preventing the Veteran from securing or following substantially gainful employment. DEA benefits were granted as part of this decision.