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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A26008125.
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).
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- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
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