The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, hearing loss, tinnitus, and diabetes mellitus have caused him to be unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His death was due to his service-connected conditions, specifically his diabetes mellitus which is presumed to be caused by herbicide exposure.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his presumptively service-connected diabetes mellitus linked to Agent Orange exposure, rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 2, 2022
- Citation
- 22019648
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 22019648.
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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