The Board denied the Veteran's claims for TDIU prior to October 24, 2018 and from October 24, 2018. The decision found that the Veteran was unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities but not during the period of a temporary total evaluation or since he received a combined schedular rating of 100%.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, except for the period when he was in receipt of a temporary total evaluation due to his left shoulder replacement. The decision also noted that the combined effect of his disabilities, including PTSD, sleep apnea, joint disorders, and hearing loss, made it difficult for him to find employment.
- Claimed conditions
- PTSD, sleep apnea, degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder, degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder, total left shoulder replacement, lumbar spine disability, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 90%
- Decision date
- February 19, 2021
- Citation
- 21009158
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 21009158.
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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.