The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU or SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board finds that his other service-connected conditions, taken together, do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: VA medical records show that the Veteran's PTSD disability results in total social and occupational impairment but does not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to the presence of other service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is able to perform activities of daily living with assistance from his wife, rendering him ineligible for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.
- Claimed conditions
- posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), instability of the right knee, limitation of flexion and arthritis of the right knee, residuals of fractured rib
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 4, 2018
- Citation
- 1820396
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1820396.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
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