The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 17, 2018.
The deciding factor: The Veteran had stable and infrequent migraine headaches that were manageable with over-the-counter medication, allowing for functional employment. His other service-connected conditions did not prevent him from performing the required physical and mental acts of his previous jobs.
- Claimed conditions
- migraine headaches, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), residuals of low back injury post compression fracture T12 (back disability), left shoulder strain with degenerative arthritis (non-dominant) (left shoulder disability), right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with low back disability, tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- June 2, 2022
- Citation
- 22032363
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 22032363.
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 claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- 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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- 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.
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