The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as there is no evidence that her service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and other conditions like sciatica and tinnitus, rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to November 4, 2009. From November 4, 2009 onwards, the Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as she had a single service-connected disability (PTSD) rated at 100%, and other disabilities that did not render her unemployable.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran could perform sedentary jobs with her education and experience, even when considering her PTSD impairment. Her additional service-connected conditions limited her to avoid physically strenuous activities, but she was still capable of obtaining gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- PTSD, sciatica, tinnitus, lumbar strain, bilateral hip bursitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 1, 2020
- Citation
- 20076361
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 20076361.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran experienced tinnitus during his active duty service.
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