Denied
The Board denied entitlement to earlier effective dates for a TDIU and DEA benefits, as the evidence did not show that the Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to May 28, 2010.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that while the Veteran experienced symptoms of PTSD, his overall functioning allowed him to maintain employment until May 28, 2010, when he met the schedular criteria for a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a).
- Claimed conditions
- PTSD with depression, Left hip shrapnel wound, Left knee disability, Right knee disability, Right foot disability (residuals of shrapnel wounds), Residuals of shrapnel wounds to the right calf, left flank, and neck
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 6, 2025
- Citation
- 25013741
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