The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him incapable of obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to November 3, 2008.
The deciding factor: VA medical records showed the Veteran had multiple service-connected conditions but his GAF scores were within a range indicating some mild symptoms or moderate difficulty in social functioning. The SSA determined he was disabled due to hepatitis C, diabetes and other nonservice-connected disabilities, which limited his employment opportunities.
- Claimed conditions
- mood disorder, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C, bilateral pes planus, abscess scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 21, 2012
- Citation
- 1221735
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 1221735.
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
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection on the merits are being remanded due to new evidence and development needs. The maximum disability rating for tinnitus has already been assigned.
- Denied
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