The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive symptoms is rated at 50 percent, and he meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his combined disability rating of 80 percent. The Board finds that his service-connected disabilities, especially PTSD with depressive symptoms and Parkinson's disease with its associated manifestations, preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive symptoms is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent. His combined disability rating is 80 percent, which meets the criteria for a TDIU as one disability (PTSD) is ratable at 60 percent or more and there are sufficient additional service-connected disabilities to bring his combined rating to 70 percent or more.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder with depressive symptoms, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with diverticulosis, Esophageal stricture, Parkinson's disease with right upper extremity tremors, mild bradykinesia, mild stooped posture, and mild balance impairment, Left lower extremity tremors, Partial loss of sense of smell, Constipation, Mild loss of automatic movements, Mild speech changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- March 28, 2014
- Citation
- 1413217
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 1413217.
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 GERD with constipation is rated at 30 percent effective September 3, 2024. Prior to this date, the rating was 10 percent.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of opinion regarding whether the Veteran's IBS is related to his service, specifically Gulf War exposure. The VA will schedule an examination and provide an updated medical opinion.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted SMC at the (o) rate based on his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and other conditions. He also meets the criteria for SMC at the (r)(1) level due to need for regular aid and attendance.
- Dismissed
The Veteran has withdrawn the appeal for all issues related to disability ratings for various service-connected conditions.
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