The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than October 1, 2008 for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The TDIU arose on October 1, 2008, when the Veteran stopped working. The effective date of October 1, 2008 is correct as it is the later of the date of claim and the date entitlement to a TDIU arose.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the service-connected disabilities did not render the Veteran totally unemployable prior to October 1, 2008. The Veteran was gainfully employed until September 30, 2008, and his self-employment income, when combined with VA disability compensation benefits, exceeded the poverty level for each respective year.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee disability, lumbar spine disability, bilateral hip disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 15, 2018
- Citation
- 1810041
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 1810041.
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 Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess his bilateral knee and hip disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient rationale in the July 2012 VA examination for the Veteran's left knee disability, and a new addendum opinion is needed.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability.
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