The veteran's claim for non-service connected pension benefits prior to September 17, 2001 was denied due to his failure to report for a VA examination. After September 17, 2001, the law changed and granted the veteran permanent and total disability based on Social Security Administration (SSA) disability determination.
The deciding factor: The veteran failed to appear for a VA psychiatric examination scheduled in April 2002 without good cause as per VA regulations. After September 17, 2001, the law changed to grant permanent and total disability based on SSA disability determination.
- Claimed conditions
- Not specified in this decision
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 16, 2002
- Citation
- 0218229
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0218229.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
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