The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as the effective date cannot be earlier than September 25, 2017.,The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent and does not warrant a higher rating based on his blood pressure readings.,The Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy in both upper extremities (right and left) are each rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities (right and left) are each rated at 10 percent.,PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 9434.
The deciding factor: There was no increase in disability within one year prior to September 25, 2017 when the Veteran's TDIU application was received.,The Veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his diastolic pressures were predominantly below 110 and systolic pressures were predominantly below 200.,The Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy in both upper extremities (right and left) do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they are each rated at mild incomplete paralysis of the median nerve.,The Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities (right and left) do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they are each rated at mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.,PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 9434.
- Claimed conditions
- Hypertension, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy - Right Upper Extremity, Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy - Left Upper Extremity, Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy - Right Lower Extremity, Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy - Left Lower Extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 31, 2023
- Citation
- 23048185
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 23048185.
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.
- 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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.