The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 12, 2016.
The deciding factor: The Veteran maintained substantial employment throughout the appeal period despite her service-connected disabilities, including maintaining full-time and part-time positions in education for nearly ten years.
- Claimed conditions
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Dysthymic Disorder, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), Migraine Headaches with Vertigo
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 90%
- Decision date
- March 13, 2018
- Citation
- 1814937
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 1814937.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected TMJ and tinnitus were granted effective January 31, 2020.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found a pre-decisional duty to assist error and remands the case for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder(s).
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeal for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. Service connection is granted for TMJ disorder and low back condition, but service connection for dental injury top left rear teeth remains remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there are duty to assist errors in the prior November 2018 rating decision and remands the claims for further development. The issues of service connection for SLE, IBS, GERD, and headaches remain unresolved due to insufficient evidence.
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