The Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance, total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU), and service connection for sleep apnea were denied. The Veteran was found to be unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorders. Sleep apnea was not diagnosed in the available evidence.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorders rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for TDIU. The lack of a diagnosis for sleep apnea precluded service connection for this condition.
- Claimed conditions
- acquired psychiatric disorders, obstructive sleep disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 28, 2020
- Citation
- A20009484
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 A20009484.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, finding that his symptoms began during service and continued after separation.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, and various musculoskeletal conditions, render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of these disabilities.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, finding that his current condition is proximately due to his service-connected right knee and right shoulder conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to combat and other stressors experienced in service. The Board has granted the claim for service connection.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.