The veteran's claim for a total evaluation based on individual unemployability resulting from service-connected back problems was granted.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner opined that the veteran's chances of obtaining and maintaining gainful employment are practically nonexistent due to his back problems.
- Claimed conditions
- back problems
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 21, 2003
- Citation
- 0309493
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 120 · Granted: 40% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0309493.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for multiple myeloma and back problems due to a duty to assist error. For multiple myeloma, the Veteran's exposure to asbestos is not verified. For back problems, an addendum opinion is needed to consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding her training-related injuries.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no one is eligible for substitution.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for fracture of the left hand fifth digit neck with apex dorsal angulation was denied as his disability is already rated at its maximum.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss, back problems, hiatal hernia, and right and left knee problems were also denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to ensure that VA's responsibilities under the duty to assist are followed. The Veteran is seeking service connection for back, neck, and migraine headaches conditions.
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.