The Board denied an initial increased rating for the acquired psychiatric condition and sickle cell retinopathy, but granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective March 23, 2022, and special monthly compensation based on housebound status effective August 14, 2023.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to deficiencies in most areas. The retinopathy prevented him from securing and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation, warranting TDIU. Housebound status was granted based on additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more.
- Claimed conditions
- Persistent depressive disorder, unspecified anxiety disorder, alcohol use disorder, Sickle cell retinopathy, Right eye glaucoma, residuals from hemorrhage, peripheral ischemia, Dry eyes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 12, 2025
- Citation
- A25098083
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