The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and his TDIU claim is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (singly or in combination) were of such severity so as to preclude his participation in any form of substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with asthma and emphysema, Left carpal tunnel syndrome, Gout of the bilateral big toes, Right carpal tunnel syndrome, Right and left knee strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 7, 2022
- Citation
- 22012819
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 22012819.
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 claim for an earlier effective date for right carpal tunnel syndrome is denied as the award was granted in a separate claim filed after the initial increase rating appeal.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted an effective date of May 26, 2011 for a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis.,The Veteran is also granted an effective date of May 26, 2011 for eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's application for PCAFC benefits was denied due to not meeting the criteria of needing personal care services based on activities of daily living. The Board found that the decision summary and reasoning were inadequate, and thus remanded the case for further review.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted earlier effective dates of December 7, 2020 for service connection for low back, right knee, left knee, right ankle, left ankle, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and left carpal tunnel syndrome disabilities.
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.