The Board denied an increased rating for PTSD with substance abuse and granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate from June 17, 2022.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas; however, he was found eligible for SMC based on his inability to sustain substantially gainful employment and additional disabilities rated at 60 percent or more.
- Claimed conditions
- PTSD with substance abuse
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- November 14, 2024
- Citation
- 24033045
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 Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, as the Veteran's employment was no more than marginal in a protected work environment.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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