The Veteran's TDIU and SMC claims for his service-connected low back, neck, and psychiatric disabilities prior to June 3, 2011 were denied as the evidence did not show that he was unemployable due to these conditions alone.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that while the Veteran had multiple service-connected disabilities, including a 100% rating for his acquired psychiatric disability, and some physical limitations from his neck and back injuries, there was no clear indication that these conditions rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. His education and prior work history were also considered.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back disability, Neck disability, Acquired psychiatric disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- December 29, 2020
- Citation
- A20019360
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 A20019360.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the current disabilities to military service.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected low back disability alone does not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal regarding attorney fees for past-due benefits awarded in a June 2021 rating decision is dismissed as moot due to the waiver of rights by R.V.C.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's request to readjudicate the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability with alcohol and drug abuse is granted. The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence sufficient to readjudicate the claim has been received, but further development is needed due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error regarding verification of reported deaths in service.
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