The Veteran's TDIU is based solely on service-connected PTSD with persistent depressive disorder, effective October 26, 2020, and SMC at the housebound level is granted for the same date.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantial gainful activity starting from October 26, 2020, meeting the criteria for TDIU based on a single service-connected disability.
- Claimed conditions
- PTSD with persistent depressive disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 21, 2025
- Citation
- A25045962
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.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for PTSD with persistent depressive disorder and a thoracolumbar spine disability was dismissed due to a claims processing error, while the appeal for sinusitis was denied. The Veteran's initial rating for mild restrictive lung disease (RLD) was granted.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date, as the maximum schedular rating of 100 percent for PTSD with persistent depressive disorder and traumatic brain injury has been in effect since April 19, 2019.
- Granted
The Board granted an earlier effective date of July 19, 2021, for the assignment of a 70 percent rating for the service-connected PTSD with persistent depressive disorder.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.