The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from May 1, 2014 to August 1, 2016 due to his service-connected disabilities that precluded substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's multiple service-connected disabilities, including arthritis of the spine and hips, as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease and other joint issues, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from May 1, 2014 to August 1, 2016.
- Claimed conditions
- psoriatic arthritis, degenerative arthritis of the spine with lumbosacral strain and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), right knee strain, degenerative joint disease, left knee strain, degenerative joint disease, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease, left wrist osteoarthritis, right wrist osteoarthritis, right hip strain and degenerative arthritis with limitation of extension associated with chronic right knee strain, left hip strain and degenerative arthritis with limitation of extension associated with chronic right knee strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- May 19, 2020
- Citation
- 20034735
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 20034735.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases due to a duty to assist error, requiring new VA examinations for the appellant's left carpal tunnel syndrome and left wrist osteoarthritis.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's sleep apnea, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis have been granted effective as of September 9, 2021. The effective date for the grant of service connection is based on the PACT Act.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hallux valgus and bilateral pes planus, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions had their onset in service. Service connection was denied for left foot peripheral neuropathy, right foot peripheral neuropathy, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection of psoriatic arthritis and sleep apnea have been dismissed. The appeal for an increased rating for her right shoulder disability is remanded.
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.