The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his back disability was denied, and the claim for TDIU was also denied as he did not meet the schedular criteria or demonstrate that his service-connected disabilities precluded him from securing and following any form of substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s back disability was rated at 10% based on limitation of motion. The Board found no additional basis for a higher rating, as there were no indications of more severe impairment such as ankylosis or incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest. For TDIU, the Veteran did not meet the schedular criteria and his occupational history was unclear due to his refusal to provide necessary information.
- Claimed conditions
- back disability, posttraumatic stress disorder, left lower extremity neurological impairment
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 13, 2018
- Citation
- 18118385
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 18118385.
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.
- Granted
The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, endometriosis, thyroid condition, and chronic fatigue syndrome due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial. The claims are now considered on their merits.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for additional VA examination. The Veteran's back disability is being reviewed again with new evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for back, hip, and lower extremity disabilities due to a lack of VA examination and outstanding treatment records. The Veteran's current diagnoses and lay statements will be considered in determining if his conditions are related to service.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.
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