The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, as it did not require insulin or regulation of activities. For the acquired psychiatric disabilities, the VA examiner provided an opinion indicating they were less likely than not related to service. Regarding residuals of a broken nose, no diagnosis could be made due to lack of records.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated as 20 percent disabling based on restricted diet and activities without insulin or regulation. The acquired psychiatric disabilities (PTSD, claustrophobia, and depression) were not found to have been incurred in service, as the VA examiner opined they were less likely than not related to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Claustrophobia, Depression
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 2, 2017
- Citation
- 1749876
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 1749876.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 23, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to February 15, 2005 due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his social and occupational functioning.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also met the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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