The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation throughout the appeal period.
The deciding factor: VA examiners have opined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities impact his ability to work, but he has maintained substantial employment in operating a large cattle farm with his son-in-law for many years.
- Claimed conditions
- Coronary artery disease (CAD), Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Right upper extremity radiculopathy, Shell fragment wound injury, muscle group XXII, Cervical spine degenerative disc disease (neck disability), Lumbar spine degenerative disc disease (low back disability), Decreased range of motion of the fingers of the right hand, Left lower extremity radiculopathy, Right lower extremity radiculopathy, Scar of the right anterior neck
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- December 9, 2016
- Citation
- 1646332
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 1646332.
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 the Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance from June 1, 2011, to May 24, 2017, finding that his need for regular aid and attendance was not established during this period.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's current coronary artery disease with acute, subacute, or old myocardial infarction with coronary stent is being remanded for further evaluation due to the lack of a medical nexus between his service-connected hypertension and his heart condition.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board has granted effective dates of July 10, 2024 for service connection for PTSD, lumbar strain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.
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