The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU, and the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation by reason of his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The combined disability rating is 90 percent, which meets the criteria for a TDIU. The VA examiners' opinions are supportive of the Veteran's claim, with some noting that he could perform sedentary employment despite his service-connected disabilities, while others found him unable to work due to severe pain and other symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease, status post discectomy and fusion L4 through S1, radiculopathy, right leg, radiculopathy, left leg, pes planus, left foot with painful callus, depressive disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 90%
- Decision date
- August 13, 2014
- Citation
- 1436174
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 1436174.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's vascular headaches are granted effective August 22, 2011. A TDIU is granted effective February 11, 2015. SMC based on housebound criteria is denied prior to July 14, 2020.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, including degenerative disc disease and scoliosis, due to lack of current disability evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the VA examinations related to the Veteran's lower back condition and surgical scars are inadequate, necessitating a remand for further evaluation.
- Granted
The Board has restored the Veteran's 100% rating for depressive disorder, effective August 1, 2020, as the reduction was improper and did not comply with applicable regulations.
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