The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he meets the criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(s) due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and CAD resulting in a combined disability picture that prevents him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. His PTSD does not warrant an increased rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 70 percent, which includes occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The combination of his service-connected diabetes mellitus (rated at 20%) and CAD (rated at 60%) results in a combined disability picture that prevents him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Diabetes Mellitus, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- June 26, 2014
- Citation
- 1429069
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 1429069.
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
Service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is granted. The appeal as to the issue of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction is dismissed.
- Granted
The Veteran's appeal was granted for various disabilities, including service connection for depressive disorder and increased evaluations for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting multiple nerve groups. A SMC based on need for aid and attendance was also awarded.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder was denied, and he was granted a TDIU. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet criteria for a 100% disability rating.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder with Insomnia Disorder, was granted. The effective date is set at October 25, 2022.
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