An increased rating of 70 percent for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include schizoaffective disorder and adjustment disorder is granted effective April 1, 2015.,An increased rating of 100 percent for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include schizoaffective disorder and adjustment disorder is granted effective March 13, 2016.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a right knee disability is denied.,A separate initial rating of 10 percent for painful left knee limitation of motion is granted effective April 1, 2015.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted effective October 1, 2015.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder has been productive of total social and occupational impairment since March 13, 2016. The evidence reflects intermittent manic or psychotic episodes with symptoms such as delusions, suicidal ideation, impaired insight, and inability to establish effective relationships.,The Veteran's migraine headaches have been productive of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks leading to severe economic inadaptability throughout the claim period. There is no clear evidence that these attacks would be even more severe without medication.,The Veteran's right knee disability has not manifested in more severe symptoms of any kind throughout the claim period, with flexion limited to 125 degrees and pain limiting his ability to run, squat, stand, or walk.,The Veteran's left knee disability has been manifested by painful motion throughout the claim period, with flexion limited to 125 degrees and pain limiting his ability to run, squat, stand, or walk. There is no evidence of more severe symptoms of any kind.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation since October 1, 2015.

Claimed conditions

Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (schizoaffective disorder and adjustment disorder), Migraine Headaches, Right Knee Disability, Left Knee Disability

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

70%

Decision date

July 6, 2021

Citation

21040696

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 21040696.