The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for a TDIU prior to December 27, 2016.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD, varicose veins, hip osteoarthritis, knee patellofemoral syndrome, ankle issues, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), right and left lower extremity varicose veins, left and right hip osteoarthritis, left and right knee patellofemoral syndrome (limited flexion), left and right ankle, gastroesophageal reflux disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 90%
- Decision date
- October 10, 2018
- Citation
- 18141419
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 18141419.
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 is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for esophageal stricture and gastroesophageal reflux disease due to a failure to obtain a medical opinion regarding the latter condition. The claim will be reconsidered after obtaining such an opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has identified a contradiction in the AOJ's determinations regarding the Veteran's need for aid and assistance, which requires clarification. The remanded issues are entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another and on the basis of statutory housebound status.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for gastroesophageal reflux disease and obstructive sleep apnea have been withdrawn, and the claims are dismissed.
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