The Board denied the veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for ankylosing spondylitis and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployment (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, as there was no evidence that his service-connected conditions prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the veteran's absence from scheduled VA examinations without good cause precluded an increase in his rating for ankylosing spondylitis. For TDIU, while the veteran had physical impairments due to his back and tinnitus, he did not meet the non-economic component of TDIU as he was still able to pursue education and there was no evidence that his service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Ankylosing Spondylitis, Tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 6, 2025
- Citation
- A25020879
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