The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment for the period prior to July 26, 2019.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s service-connected disabilities were at a combined 90 percent rating during this period, meeting the criteria for TDIU under the schedular rating system. However, there was no evidence that these conditions rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, urinary incontinence, left upper extremity neuropathy, right upper extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity sciatic nerve neuropathy, right lower extremity sciatic nerve neuropathy, left lower extremity femoral nerve neuropathy, right lower extremity femoral nerve neuropathy, left lower extremity obturator nerve neuropathy, right lower extremity obturator nerve neuropathy, left lower extremity cutaneous nerve neuropathy, right lower extremity cutaneous nerve neuropathy, left lower extremity inguinal nerve neuropathy, right lower extremity inguinal nerve neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 17, 2020
- Citation
- 20079907
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 20079907.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- 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.
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