The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to July 20, 2015. The evidence did not support finding that the Veteran was unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected disabilities prior to this date.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's income during his employment with the food manufacturing factory lab exceeded the poverty threshold and thus, his employment was not in a protected environment. The evidence did not support finding that he required substantial accommodations or was shielded from consequences of poor performance.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral ankle disability, psychiatric disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 8, 2024
- Citation
- 24006881
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 24006881.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for a neurological examination to determine if any diagnosed radiculopathy or other neurological disability affecting the lower extremities was caused or aggravated by service-connected conditions.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral ankle disability as secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee and low back disabilities.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the service connection for migraines, a left shoulder disability, a right elbow disability, a left wrist disability, and a bilateral ankle disability.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and SMC based on housebound status and aid and attendance, with the initial decisions being in February and June 2023. The appellant is eligible to attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in September 2024.
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