The Veteran sought TDIU based on his service-connected low back disability and depression. The September 1981 rating decision denied the claim, finding that the objective findings did not warrant an increase in the 20 percent rating for lumbosacral strain and that the schedular requirements for a TDIU were not met.
The deciding factor: The RO found that the Veteran's service-connected back disability alone prevented him from working, as evidenced by his employment history and examination findings. The objective findings did not warrant an increase in the 20 percent rating for lumbosacral strain.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back disability, Depression
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 29, 2016
- Citation
- 1638963
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 1638963.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient findings regarding PTSD and depression, requiring a new VA examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the current disabilities to military service.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected low back disability alone does not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to errors in the AOJ's handling of the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder, and depression. The AOJ is required to verify the Veteran's claimed stressor and obtain medical opinions regarding the diagnoses and their relation to service.
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