The veteran's claim for a TDIU based on his service-connected low back strain superimposed on hypertrophic arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied because he did not meet the minimum percentage requirements and there is no evidence to support an extraschedular analysis.
The deciding factor: The veteran does not meet the minimum schedular or extraschedular rating criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected low back disorder, as it is rated at 40% disabling and he has other disabilities that do not warrant a higher rating. The VA examiner concluded that the veteran's unemployability is due to post-service injuries rather than his service-connected condition.
- Claimed conditions
- low back strain, hypertrophic arthritis of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 18, 2001
- Citation
- 0114118
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 0114118.
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 service-connected disabilities render him unable to follow and secure substantially gainful employment, thus a total disability rating for individual unemployability is granted.
- Dismissed
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- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, but granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for coccyx chronic pain/residuals of fracture, low back strain, and bilateral hearing loss as the probative evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or due to active service.
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