The Veteran's claim for service connection for recurrent TBI residuals was denied as no evidence of such condition during active service or thereafter. The rating for tinea pedis remains noncompensable due to the use of topical treatment. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability and special monthly compensation at the housebound rate were granted prior to September 15, 2020. Basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance was established prior to that date.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claim for service connection for recurrent TBI residuals could not be substantiated as no evidence of such condition during active service or thereafter. The rating for tinea pedis remained noncompensable due to the use of topical treatment. The Veteran's employment after January 2018 constituted marginal employment, rendering him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Recurrent Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Residuals, Tinea Pedis, Major Depressive Disorder, Sleep Apnea, Right Knee Degenerative Arthritis with Patellofemoral Syndrome, Left Knee Degenerative Arthritis with Patellofemoral Syndrome, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 21, 2024
- Citation
- A24059331
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 A24059331.
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 major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the condition and service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
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