The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, either alone or in combination, did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment consistent with his education, training, and experience for the appeal period prior to May 4, 2015.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's combined rating was less than 70 percent at times during the appeal period prior to May 4, 2015, which is required for a TDIU under VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- Non-epileptic seizures, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Carpal tunnel syndrome with C7 radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, Cervical spine degenerative disc disease, Left ankle tendonitis, Right shoulder tendonitis, Thoracolumbar strain and lumbar spondylosis, Left knee osteoarthritis, Left carpal tunnel syndrome, Macular hole in the left eye status post blunt trauma, Sinusitis, Hypertension, Right hip scar, Scar, status post appendectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 3, 2026
- Citation
- 26001567
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 26001567.
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: Denied
The Board denied the claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that it did not manifest during service and is not causally related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicides or service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active duty service or herbicide exposure.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and has remanded the issue of an increased rating for skin condition.
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