The Veteran's request for VR&E benefits, including retroactive payment for education expenses incurred while pursuing a bachelor’s degree from 1996 to 1998, was denied as the criteria for retroactive induction into a vocational rehabilitation program were not met.
The deciding factor: The regulations required that VA determine the Veteran's training and other rehabilitation services were reasonably needed to achieve his goals and objectives identified. The VA determined that attendance at Appalachian State University (ASU) was not required to pursue employment compatible with his service-connected disabilities and consistent with his aptitude, abilities, and interest.
- Claimed conditions
- unknown
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 22, 2018
- Citation
- 18104447
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 18104447.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
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- Whole decision: Denied
The VA correctly calculated and paid retroactive compensation benefits to the Veteran for the period from May 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025. The appeal is denied as additional retroactive VA compensation is not warranted.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
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- Whole decision: Denied
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