The Court ordered a remand of our client’s total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) claim. The Secretary agreed there were errors in the Board of Veterans’ Appeals’ decision. Specifically, the Board failed to provide clear reasons for denying Helms’ TDIU based on his service-connected heart disability.
The Court highlighted that the Board recognized Helms met the economic component for unemployability. And the Board acknowledged the veteran’s service-connected disabilities prevented him from doing physical labor. But the Board failed to address his ability to engage in sedentary employment. This inconsistency required further examination on remand, especially regarding the extraschedular entitlement to TDIU. The Court emphasized that the Board must discuss how sedentary work applies to Helms, considering his work history and education.
This remand allows us to provide additional argument to support his claim. It also requires the Board to clarify its reasons for its findings and act quickly on the case. This decision serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough evaluations in TDIU claims for veterans.
