The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from performing substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected disabilities, while present, do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic otitis externa bilaterally with history of otitis media, Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with history of chronic low back strain, Residuals fracture of the right tibia and fibula, Dermatophytosis of the feet, Osteochondroma of the distal femur with history of internal derangement of the right knee, Mild hypacusis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- August 7, 2002
- Citation
- 0209304
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0209304.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a brain injury, finding that the Veteran's claim is not supported by evidence of in-service injury or aggravation. The appeal was also denied for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to multiple disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and dermatophytosis of the feet have been granted service connection. However, his lumbar spine disorder, left lower extremity sciatica, and right arm/shoulder disorder remain unresolved.,Service connection for these conditions is remanded due to pending issues.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis, bilateral ankle degenerative arthritis, and right hip degenerative arthritis. The Veteran's current conditions are related to his active duty service.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since September 18, 2013. The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD has caused significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a higher rating than initially assigned.
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