The Veteran's PTSD and substance abuse disorder are currently rated as 70 percent disabling, but the Board finds that an increased rating is not warranted.,Hypertension was first diagnosed in approximately 2006, more than a decade after service, and there is no evidence of its onset during active duty. The Veteran's current hypertension does not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection based on exposure to Gulf War conditions.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD and substance abuse disorder are currently rated as 70 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 9411, but there is no evidence of total occupational or social impairment. Hypertension was first diagnosed in approximately 2006, more than a decade after service, and there is no evidence of its onset during active duty.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Substance Abuse Disorder, Hypertension
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Gulf War
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 6, 2017
- Citation
- 1750189
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 1750189.
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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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