The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable before June 25, 2019. His TDIU claim was denied as his disabilities were not severe enough to prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed the Veteran had multiple non-service connected conditions that impacted his employability, such as hypertension, diabetes, and sleep apnea, which he managed with medication and equipment. His service-connected conditions did not significantly impair his ability to work in sedentary or light-duty roles.
- Claimed conditions
- Left tibia fracture, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with COPD, Left knee patellofemoral syndrome (PFS), Right knee PFS
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 22, 2022
- Citation
- 22016551
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 22016551.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher level of SMC was denied as the Board found that he is already in receipt of SMC at the (l) rate based on need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease with congestive heart failure. A second award of SMC at the (l) rate based on need for regular aid and attendance was not warranted.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cause of death, finding that there is no competent evidence linking any principal or contributory cause of his death to his service.
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