The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetic nephropathy, squamous cell carcinoma residuals, post-radiation dermatitis associated with squamous cell carcinoma residuals, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and hearing loss, made him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since August 31, 2008. The effective date for TDIU is set at September 3, 2016.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including larynx-related conditions and diabetes mellitus, made him unable to work due to frequent absences and the need for extended periods of rest, leading to his early retirement in August 2008. The effective date is set at September 3, 2016, when the combined service-connected disability rating reached 80 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetic nephropathy, squamous cell carcinoma residuals, post-radiation dermatitis associated with squamous cell carcinoma residuals, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 80%
- Decision date
- January 5, 2021
- Citation
- 21000268
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 21000268.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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 for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- 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.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
- 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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