The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including major depressive disorder, migraine headaches, bilateral hearing loss, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and tinnitus with BPPV, have combined to prevent him from obtaining or maintaining a substantially gainful course of employment. The Board has granted TDIU for the period from April 15, 2023.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including major depressive disorder, migraine headaches, bilateral hearing loss, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and tinnitus with BPPV, have combined to prevent him from obtaining or maintaining a substantially gainful course of employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Major depressive disorder, Migraine headache disorder, Bilateral hearing loss, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Tinnitus with BPPV
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- February 20, 2026
- Citation
- A26015736
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 A26015736.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Veteran's claim for a low back disorder was reopened, and his claims for increased ratings of bilateral knee instability were granted. His hearing loss claim was denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder does not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or confined to his home, thus SMC based on housebound status and/or need for regular aid and attendance is denied.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for Dupuytren's contracture of the left hand, right hand, and GERD is remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and failure to consider toxic exposure risk activities during service.
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