The Veteran's TDIU and DEA eligibility claims are denied as he was not unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to December 9, 2021. The SMC housebound claim is also denied due to lack of evidence of substantial confinement.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not meet the criteria for TDIU and DEA eligibility prior to December 9, 2021, as he was employed at that time and his service-connected disabilities were not sufficient to render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The SMC housebound claim is denied because there is no evidence of substantial confinement due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Migraines, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Nephrolithiasis, Bilateral Hip Disabilities, Bilateral Leg Tenosynovitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- January 28, 2026
- Citation
- A26008125
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A26008125.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Granted
The Veteran's initial evaluation for tension headaches to include migraines is granted, with a rating of 50 percent effective from May 23, 2023.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.