The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including TBI with an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder), right knee instability, left knee instability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, right ankle instability, right ankle degenerative joint disease, left knee degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with left neural foramina stenosis, right knee semilunar cartilage removal residuals, left knee semilunar cartilage removal residuals, appendectomy scar residuals (right arm and face), spider bites residuals (right arm and face), a right knee scar, a left knee scar, and tension headaches, have necessitated the need for regular aid and attendance of another individual. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on this need.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability rendered him in need of regular aid and assistance to protect from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment due to reckless or self-destructive behavior, impairment of short-term and long-term memory, impaired judgment, impaired impulse control, neglect of personal appearance and hygiene, grossly inappropriate behavior, and intermittent inability to perform the activities of daily living.
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic Brain Injury, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Right Knee Instability, Left Knee Instability, Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, Right Ankle Instability, Right Ankle Degenerative Joint Disease, Left Knee Degenerative Joint Disease, Lumbar Spine Degenerative Disc Disease with Left Neural Foramina Stenosis, Right Knee Semilunar Cartilage Removal Residuals, Left Knee Semilunar Cartilage Removal Residuals, Appendectomy Scar Residuals (right arm and face), Spider Bites Residuals (right arm and face), Right Knee Scar, Left Knee Scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 22, 2022
- Citation
- A22023718
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 A22023718.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also met the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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