The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date for total disability based on individual unemployability, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings or an earlier effective date.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left hip conditions did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable diagnostic codes, and prior to February 28, 2023, her service-connected disabilities prevented her from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Hip Degenerative Arthritis, Left Hip Limitation of Flexion, Left Hip Limitation of Abduction and Rotation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 14, 2025
- Citation
- 25006553
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 denied an increased rating for obstructive sleep apnea and remanded several issues including service connection for PTSD, increased ratings for various hip and back conditions.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for left hip degenerative arthritis, right hip degenerative arthritis, and tinnitus. It also granted a TDIU from September 24, 2021, and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) from that date.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 60 percent rating for GERD, and 10 percent ratings for right and left hip impairment of the thigh. The claims for compensable ratings for right and left hip limitation of flexion were denied, as was the claim for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis, which was remanded.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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