The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, is granted. His diabetes mellitus, type II, currently rated at 20 percent, remains unchanged as the evidence does not support a higher rating. The issue of entitlement to a compensable rating for his cataracts and ischemic optic neuropathy prior to October 14, 2014, and a rating in excess of 30 percent thereafter is addressed in the remand portion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD claim was granted as there is evidence of an in-service stressor related to combat service and current diagnosis of PTSD. His diabetes mellitus, type II, remains at 20 percent due to lack of medical evidence showing regulation of activities required for a higher rating under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.
- Claimed conditions
- Acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, Diabetes mellitus, type II
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 18, 2017
- Citation
- 1758383
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 1758383.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding the lack of development related to Agent Orange exposure and solvent/asbestos exposure.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for sinus bradycardia is dismissed. The Board has remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and bilateral hearing loss.
- Granted
The Board has granted effective dates of August 10, 2022 for hypertension and July 25, 2023 for diabetes mellitus, type II, bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus.,The Veteran's conditions were found to have manifested no later than the dates specified in their respective effective dates.
- Denied
The Board denied an earlier effective date for DIC benefits, finding that the Appellant's claim was not properly reopened and that the earliest available effective date is June 14, 2021.
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