The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the minimum percentage requirements for award of a TDIU, and his disabilities are not shown to prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The Veteran is currently employed as a CDL truck driver and has been employed in this capacity since June 2003. Despite the effects caused by his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work, he maintains full-time employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spondylosis and cervical disc disease, Pes planus with plantar fasciitis, Cervical spine radiculopathy (right upper extremity), Degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine, Right sciatic radiculopathy associated with degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine, Left sciatic radiculopathy associated with degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine, Avulsion fracture, right wrist
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 80%
- Decision date
- August 7, 2017
- Citation
- 1731755
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 1731755.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial rating for cervical spine degenerative arthritis was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating during the appeal period.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis of the right shoulder, and osteoarthritis and degenerative arthritis of the right knee prior to October 25, 2023. The claim for a left knee disability was also granted based on continuity of symptoms since service.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU, as the evidence did not support higher ratings or unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied entitlement to ratings in excess of 10 percent prior to June 16, 2010; 20 percent from June 16, 2010, to March 19, 2024; and 40 percent from March 20, 2024, for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.
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