The Board denied initial ratings greater than 70 percent for unspecified stressor and trauma disorder and persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress, greater than 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II, associated with herbicide exposure, greater than 20 percent for right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy as a residual of stroke, greater than 10 percent for residuals of stroke other than right lower extremity radiculopathy, and greater than 10 percent rating for hypertension. However, the Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's psychiatric symptoms or diabetes mellitus caused total occupational and social impairment, but it was found that he met the criteria for TDIU.

Claimed conditions

Unspecified stressor and trauma disorder, Persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress, Diabetes mellitus, type II, Right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy as a residual of stroke, Residuals of stroke other than right lower extremity radiculopathy, Hypertension

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

January 30, 2025

Citation

A25008521

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