The Board found that discontinuance of VR&E services based on a negative feasibility determination was proper due to the Veteran's significant physical health issues and extensive limitations in his activities. The appeal is denied.
The deciding factor: The VRC determined that the Veteran had an employment handicap and serious employment handicap, preventing him from achieving a vocational goal and benefiting from VR&E Independent Living Services.
- Claimed conditions
- major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder not otherwise specified, loss of use of the left hand, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, right knee strain with chronic tendinitis, partial undersurface tear of the distal supraspinatus, tinnitus with ear drum scarring, residuals of a right heel metallic foreign body excision with paresthesia, a residual right wrist scar, limitation of motion of the right thumb, limitation of motion of the right index finger, limitation of motion of the right long finger, minimal degenerative changes of the right little finger, left knee strain with chronic tendinitis, left ear hearing loss, right foot injury, limitation of motion of the right ring finger
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 10, 2020
- Citation
- 20010987
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 20010987.
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: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for onychomycosis was denied as the condition did not require treatment and covered less than 5% of his body. The Board also remanded issues regarding service connection for left ear hearing loss and entitlement to a compensable disability rating for right ear hearing loss.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for shin splints, right knee disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), stomach disability, and left ear hearing loss due to errors in providing notice of the right to a hearing.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of sleep apnea, left lower extremity (LLE) sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and right ear hearing loss due to untimely filing.,The Board also dismissed the appeal for service connection of left ear hearing loss as moot because it was already granted in a prior decision.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss. The Veteran does not have left ear hearing loss for VA purposes.
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