The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on PTSD and SMC due to multiple service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease, shell fragment wounds, and PTSD. The combined disability rating is 90 percent.

The deciding factor: PTSD alone renders the Veteran unemployable since January 11, 2010, and his other service-connected disabilities are rated at or above 60%.

Claimed conditions

Ischemic heart disease (coronary artery disease status post myocardial infarction and stent placement), Residuals of shell fragment wounds (SFW) of the left leg with fractures of the tibia and fibula, Residuals of shell fragment wounds (SFW) of the right leg with fracture of the right fibula and paresthesia of the foot, Residuals of shell fragment wounds (SFW) of the right shoulder, Residuals of shell fragment wounds (SFW) to the right thigh, Residuals of shell fragment wounds (SFW) to the left thigh, Residuals of shell fragment wounds (SFW) to the abdomen, Residuals of shell fragment wounds (SFW) to the small bowel, Residuals of shell fragment wounds (SFW) of the right fifth finger, Residuals of shell fragment wounds with injury to the tongue and sensory involvement of the lingual branch of the mandibular nerve, Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Malaria

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

90%

Decision date

April 28, 2017

Citation

1713920

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 1713920.