The appeal for a higher rating for PTSD was denied, while an earlier effective date of special monthly compensation (SMC) from September 25, 2020, was granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a finding of total occupational and social impairment to warrant a higher rating for PTSD; however, the Veteran's inability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his PTSD alone justified an earlier effective date for SMC.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic stress disorder with major depressive disorder, Traumatic brain injury (TBI), Post-concussion vertigo, Insomnia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- June 25, 2025
- Citation
- A25054640
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities prior to February 14, 2025, as the evidence did not show that he was precluded from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment during the appeal period.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and a right shoulder disorder as there was no probative evidence of current disabilities as defined by VA.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for insomnia, fatigue, gallstones, varicose veins, anemia, colitis, and PTSD due to a lack of evidence supporting the claims.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) but denied service connection for PTSD and a higher rating for the unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder/major depressive disorder/insomnia.
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