The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment prior to November 30, 2011. The Board denied his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran had higher education and previous experience as a physician, which allowed him to function in tasks utilizing his medical knowledge. His service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- panic disorder, lumbar degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis of the cervical spine, rhabdomyalgia (rheumatoid arthritis), radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- June 17, 2020
- Citation
- 20041221
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 20041221.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left ankle strain, migraines, and tinnitus due to procedural issues. The low back condition, right foot condition, and current diagnoses have been denied as not related to military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to pre-decisional errors in obtaining medical opinions and private treatment records, which are necessary for a proper determination of service connection for panic disorder.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete medical opinions and a need for additional evidence. The Veteran's anxiety and panic disorder are being considered, as well as her personality disorder.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including conversion disorder with attacks or seizures, unspecified depressive and anxiety disorders. The Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.
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