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 assigned
- 90%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 20079907.
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.
- 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.
- Granted
The Board of Veterans' Appeals has granted service connection for PTSD and Mood Disorders, both presumed conditions under the PACT Act.
- 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.
- 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.
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