The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation during the period of March 31, 2016 to November 13, 2016.
The deciding factor: The Veteran reported difficulty with tasks that required standing and walking due to his service-connected conditions, but also had non-service-connected rheumatoid arthritis which impacted his ability to perform physical work. His education and past employment history showed an ability to learn and perform work tasks.
- Claimed conditions
- Coronary artery disease (CAD), Sciatic neuropathy of the left lower extremity (LLE), Sciatic neuropathy of the right lower extremity (RLE), Diabetes mellitus, Tinea pedis, Residuals of left ankle injury, Tinnitus, Bilateral hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- February 9, 2023
- Citation
- 23008673
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 23008673.
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
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- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance from June 1, 2011, to May 24, 2017, finding that his need for regular aid and attendance was not established during this period.
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