The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to January 20, 2020.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed the Veteran was capable of performing sedentary work despite his physical limitations related to his back condition and radiculopathy. He had a history of working in maintenance roles that did not require lifting heavy objects.
- Claimed conditions
- Adjustment Disorder, Lumbosacral Strain, Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy (Sciatic Nerve), Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy (Sciatic Nerve), Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy (Femoral Nerve), Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy (Femoral Nerve), Angiokeratoma of the Scrotum, Scar, Residuals, Right Inguinal Hernia Repair
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 90%
- Decision date
- December 22, 2022
- Citation
- A22026087
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 A22026087.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for adjustment disorder and hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of in-service onset or relationship to military service.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on several conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeals.,The Board has not assigned a specific rating or effective date as the claims are being remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found a pre-decisional error in the denial of the Veteran's request to change his vocational rehabilitation goal from diesel technology to obtaining a music degree. The case is being remanded for further evaluation and consideration.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted, with effective dates set at October 18, 2023. The lumbosacral strain has also received a higher initial rating.
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.