The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment at any time during the appeal period.
The deciding factor: The reviewing physician is convinced that service-connected disabilities in themselves are not sufficiently severe to preclude performing the physical and mental tasks required of employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Mitral valve prolapse, Sciatica, Hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease, Hemorrhoids, Right hydrocele, Additional hemorrhoids, Left quadriceps tendonitis, Chronic migraine/tension headaches, Right upper extremity psychogenic pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 25, 2009
- Citation
- 0907077
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of increased rating for back disability, service connection for sleep apnea, left heel, and hemorrhoids, as well as entitlement to a TDIU prior to August 1, 2025, for additional development.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals for higher ratings on all claims due to untimely Notices of Disagreement.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids. However, the Veteran was granted a 50% rating prior to June 12, 2024, and a 100% rating from that date forward for his acquired psychiatric disability.
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