The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available.,The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus (DM2) with intertrigo and hypertension is currently rated at 20 percent. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation as it does not meet the criteria for a 60 percent or 100 percent rating.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available prior to January 22, 2019. The evidence does not support an increase in this rating period.,The Veteran's peripheral neuritis of the left upper extremity (LUE) and right upper extremity (RUE) have both been rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for these conditions.,SMC based on need for aid and attendance by another has not been granted.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as it does not cause total impairment of social or occupational functioning. The symptoms are significant but do not reach the level required for a 100 percent rating.,The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus (DM2) has been managed with restricted diet, insulin injections, and oral hypoglycemic agents without requiring regulation of activities. Therefore, it does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as per DC 7913.,Bilateral hearing loss is rated based on its severity, which has remained at 30 percent throughout the rating period. There is no evidence to support an increase in this rating period.,Peripheral neuritis of both upper extremities have been rated at 30 percent as they do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under DC 8613 due to their severity and frequency.,The Veteran does not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance by another.

Claimed conditions

PTSD with major depressive disorder, type II diabetes mellitus (DM2) with intertrigo and hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, peripheral neuritis of the left upper extremity (LUE), peripheral neuritis of the right upper extremity (RUE)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

December 16, 2019

Citation

A19003607

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 A19003607.