The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and TDIU were granted, with the PTSD claim being based on direct service connection due to combat exposure. The TDIU claim was also granted as the Veteran met the schedular criteria for TDIU and his service-connected disabilities likely precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran engaged in combat with the enemy during service, which triggered the presumption of service connection for PTSD. The VA psychiatrist's diagnosis was also considered credible. For TDIU, the evidence showed the Veteran met the schedular criteria and his service-connected disabilities likely precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic lumbosacral strain, Chronic trochanteric bursitis of the right hip, Arthralgia of bilateral knees, Bilateral ankle disabilities, Meralgia paresthetica
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 3, 2015
- Citation
- 1550753
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 1550753.
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 service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment as of May 24, 2010.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, effective December 8, 2025.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral ankle disabilities, and bilateral knee disabilities. The claims for GERD and COPD were remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and to obtain an adequate examination.
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