The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to March 21, 2011.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was not service connected until March 21, 2011, and his other service-connected conditions did not amount to a level that precluded him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to that date.
- Claimed conditions
- posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral spondylosis lumbar spine, bilateral pes planus, bilateral shoulder trapezius muscle strain, cervical radiculopathy, left upper extremity, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee early degenerative joint disease, sciatica in the bilateral lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 1, 2022
- Citation
- 22011556
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 22011556.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
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