The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to August 19, 2016. The Board found that the Veteran possessed the mental capacity to pursue substantially gainful employment despite his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran had extensive work history, education, skills, and training which allowed him to successfully complete college courses and continue pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing during this appeal.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral radiculopathy of the lower extremities
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 29, 2022
- Citation
- 22049035
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 22049035.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The appeal for an increased evaluation in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain and thoracic strain was denied, while other issues were remanded.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a rating of 40 percent for the lumbosacral strain from May 18, 2023, to December 12, 2023, and denied ratings in excess of 20 percent prior to May 18, 2023, and in excess of 40 percent since December 12, 2023. Service connection for bilateral radiculopathy of the lower extremities was also granted as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability.
- Granted
The Veteran was granted a higher level of special monthly compensation and an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for right foot plantar fasciitis, left knee strain, lumbosacral strain with IVDS, and bilateral radiculopathy of the lower extremities as secondary to a service-connected right foot disability.
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