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 assigned
- None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0218229.
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
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.