The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the percentage threshold criteria for a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16 (a), and his claim on that basis is denied.
The deciding factor: The combined rating for the Veteran’s disabilities does not meet the schedular requirement for a TDIU, as one disability is rated at less than 40 percent disabling.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic adjustment, multilevel degenerative disc disease, residuals of a stroke with upper left extremity weakness, left lower extremity muscle weakness associated with residuals of a stroke, peripheral neuropathy associated with degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 18, 2018
- Citation
- 18143331
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 18143331.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for a lumbar spine disability should be remanded due to a duty to assist error.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability, diagnosed as multilevel degenerative disc disease and facet arthropathy, finding that it is related to his in-service injury.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for spondylosis with diffuse degenerative arthritis and multilevel degenerative disc disease is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal in October 2023.
- Granted
The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for scoliosis and granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's current conditions are attributed to military service.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.