The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and tension headaches (migraines), have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work history.
The deciding factor: The combined effects of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his neck, back, knee, elbow, and headache disabilities, collectively impair his ability to perform the physical and mental acts required by employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Major depressive disorder, Tension headaches (migraines), Cervical myositis, External hemorrhoids, Lumbar myositis, Left patellofemoral pain syndrome with meniscal tear, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Left elbow olecranon fracture, Left elbow supination and pronation impairment, Right and left knee limitation of flexion, Right patellofemoral pain syndrome, Erectile dysfunction, Bilateral costochondritis, Right lower extremity scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 2, 2021
- Citation
- A21017690
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 A21017690.
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: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder does not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or confined to his home, thus SMC based on housebound status and/or need for regular aid and attendance is denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for Dupuytren's contracture of the left hand, right hand, and GERD is remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and failure to consider toxic exposure risk activities during service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, but the Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.
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