The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone prevents him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and he is granted a TDIU effective June 6, 2023. He also qualifies for special monthly compensation (SMC) pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s)(1), effective the same date.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's severe PTSD symptoms make it impossible for him to interact with other employees in any work setting, and his limited educational background precludes the ability to secure and follow any substantially gainful employment consistent with his specific occupational experience and education.
- Claimed conditions
- PTSD, Depressive Disorder, Somatic Symptom Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 23, 2025
- Citation
- A25092173
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