The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including TBI with depressive disorder NOS and PTSD, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has determined that the combined effects of his service-connected conditions make it impossible for him to work.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his TBI and associated psychiatric disorders, have significantly impacted his ability to maintain employment due to cognitive impairments, mood disturbances, and occupational dysfunction.
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Depressive Disorder not otherwise specified (NOS), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Migraine headaches, Left knee patellofemoral syndrome, Lumbar spine strain with retrolisthesis of L5 on S1, Degenerative joint disease with cervical spine strain, Bilateral pes planus, Tinnitus, Left lower eyelid scar post chalazion excision
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 7, 2020
- Citation
- 20052710
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 20052710.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 23, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to February 15, 2005 due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his social and occupational functioning.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.
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