The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a conclusion that his service-connected conditions rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The Board found inconsistencies in the Veteran's reported work history and reasons for stopping work, as well as evidence showing he had retired at age 65. The medical opinions provided were deemed unreliable due to their reliance on uncredible lay statements.
- Claimed conditions
- Major depressive disorder, Asthma, Bilateral shoulder osteoporosis, Erectile dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 10, 2025
- Citation
- A25033665
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for asbestosis, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rhinitis, sinusitis, and asthma. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was also denied a compensable rating.
- Granted
The Board granted initial ratings of 40 percent for lumbar spine disorder, 70 percent for major depressive disorder, and 40 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy. TDIU and SMC based on housebound status were also granted.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various disabilities and denied higher ratings for several service-connected conditions.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an effective date of May 29, 2019 for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder but denied earlier effective dates and increased ratings for other conditions.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.