The Veteran's service-connected low back strain and TBI with residual headaches do not meet the criteria for higher ratings. The Board found that his current ratings adequately reflect the severity of his disabilities.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not establish that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities met or approximated the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Low Back Strain, TBI with Residual Headaches
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 17, 2015
- Citation
- 1516650
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 1516650.
What this means for you
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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 secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 13, 2018.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's internal hemorrhoids and chronic low back strain have been rated, but the Board has remanded for further evaluation due to additional issues. The Veteran is also seeking service connection for sleep disability and TDIU.
- Granted
The Veteran is entitled to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability prior to February 13, 2015 due to his service-connected disabilities. On or after February 13, 2015, the combined rating of his service-connected disabilities does not meet the criteria for TDIU.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for a higher combined rating in excess of 90 percent, effective from July 19, 2017, is denied. The AOJ's December 2017 rating decision correctly calculated the combined total rating as 90 percent.
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