The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of individual unemployability prior to January 29, 2018. The Board has determined that he meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities but needs further review by the Director, Compensation Service due to the need for an extraschedular evaluation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, tinnitus, and traumatic brain injury) have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to January 29, 2018. However, an extraschedular TDIU rating is required due to his physical and psychiatric impairments.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Cannabis Use Disorder, Degenerative Arthritis of the Thoracolumbar Spine, Tinnitus, Painful Scar of the Right Upper Thigh, Traumatic Brain Injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 22, 2024
- Citation
- A24026863
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 A24026863.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 23, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to February 15, 2005 due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his social and occupational functioning.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.
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