The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, DJD and knee conditions, make it impossible for him to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board granted a TDIU based on the combined effects of his disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his PTSD and multiple joint issues, render him unable to engage in substantial gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) and internal derangement of the left knee post total knee arthroplasty, Right Knee DJD status post total joint arthroplasty and revision surgery, Right Knee Instability, Ulcerative Colitis, Tinnitus, Hypertension, Right Hip DJD, Bilateral Hearing Loss, Left Knee Scar, Right Hip DJD (limitation of extension), Right Hip DJD (impairment of thigh), Right Knee Scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- December 6, 2018
- Citation
- 18156059
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 18156059.
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'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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.
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