The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU prior to October 21, 2015. The Board found insufficient evidence to substantiate a reasonable possibility that he was unemployable solely because of his service-connected disabilities during this period.
The deciding factor: The Veteran had multiple nonservice-connected conditions which significantly impacted his employability, and the combined effects of these conditions were considered in determining whether he could secure and follow substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- lung cancer, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, lobectomy status post lung cancer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- May 6, 2023
- Citation
- 23026671
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 23026671.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- 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.
- 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.
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