The Veteran's service-connected disabilities met the schedular rating requirements and rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from July 13, 2022, through April 16, 2023. Beginning April 17, 2023, when his combined rating went into effect at 100%, no individual service-connected disability rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disabilities did not render him unable to engage in sedentary employment out of the cold due to lack of education and specialized training, as well as his upper extremity peripheral neuropathy impairments which made it difficult for him to use his arms and hands throughout the workday.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus, Coronary Artery Disease, Peripheral Neuropathy (right lower extremity sciatic nerve), Peripheral Neuropathy (left lower extremity sciatic nerve), Peripheral Neuropathy (right upper extremity), Peripheral Neuropathy (left upper extremity)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 22, 2023
- Citation
- A23037135
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A23037135.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's appeal was granted for various disabilities, including service connection for depressive disorder and increased evaluations for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting multiple nerve groups. A SMC based on need for aid and attendance was also awarded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of these conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective March 2, 2018, due to his service-connected disabilities including PTSD and other conditions. The decision also noted that the Veteran is currently self-employed as a truck driver.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's initial PCAFC application was granted in December 2022, effective from December 21, 2022. The Board found that the criteria for eligibility were met since his initial application in December 2020.
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