The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder with anxious distress and psychotic features was granted. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II, chronic stage 4 kidney disease, heart disease, diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities, and diabetic neuropathy of the upper extremities were all denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lay statements regarding in-service incidents supported his claim for PTSD. The VA examiner found that the Veteran did not have a mental disorder but agreed with Dr. R.W.'s opinion that he had PTSD and major depressive disorder with anxious distress and psychotic features, which was due to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bilateral Hearing Loss, Diabetes Mellitus, Type II, Chronic Stage 4 Kidney Disease, Heart Disease, Diabetic Neuropathy, Left Lower Extremity, Diabetic Neuropathy, Right Lower Extremity, Diabetic Neuropathy, Left Upper Extremity, Diabetic Neuropathy, Right Upper Extremity
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 1, 2023
- Citation
- A23030497
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 A23030497.
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.
- 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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