The Board denied service connection for Diabetes Mellitus Type II and a rating in excess of 50 percent for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of DMII, and the record does not contain a recent diagnosis of disability prior to filing the claim. For PTSD, the Board found that the Veteran's symptoms resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus Type II at any point pertinent to the pendency of his claim, as he had impaired fasting glucose which was not considered a disability. For PTSD, the Board found that while the Veteran experienced symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating, these were consistent with a 50% rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus Type II, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- January 18, 2019
- Citation
- 19104729
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an initial increased rating for diabetes mellitus type II and remanded the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, right shoulder strain with acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis and tendinitis, cervical spine spondylosis, left knee degenerative arthritis, right knee degenerative arthritis, and thoracolumbar scoliosis and lumbar spine degenerative changes.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to an unclear employment history and a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
- Dismissed
The appeals for service connection for insomnia, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and polycythemia vera were dismissed due to procedural issues. The remaining claims are remanded for further development.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of July 12, 2022, for a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder.
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