The Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since August 9, 2018.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's multiple service-connected disabilities, including his fused ankle and shoulder issues, prevent him from engaging in physical work that requires carrying equipment, climbing, bending, squatting, reaching, twisting, and turning motions.
- Claimed conditions
- Severe third degree lateral right ankle sprain, Right shoulder rotator cuff tear, Bicipital tendon tear, Labral tendon tear, Osteoarthritis associated with right ankle disability, Right ulnar neuritis, Right elbow medial epicondylitis, Left shoulder bicipital tendonitis and impingement syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 80%
- Decision date
- September 26, 2023
- Citation
- 23053431
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 23053431.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him so helpless that he needed regular aid and attendance. The criteria for SMC at the housebound rate have also not been met.
- Granted
The Veteran's right shoulder rotator cuff tear is granted as service connected, with the Board finding a causal link between his in-service injury and current symptoms.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability. Several conditions were remanded for further development.
- Denied
The Board denied increased evaluations for asthma, PTSD with sleep deprivation, and right shoulder rotator cuff tear. The Veteran's appeal regarding service connection for high blood pressure and TDIU was remanded.
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