The Veteran's claim for a rating more than 40 percent for low back disorder is denied, and his claim for TDIU remains denied as he does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or incapacitating episodes sufficient to warrant a higher rating. The Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a).
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of spine to include vertebrae fracture post motor vehicle accident
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 16, 2019
- Citation
- A19003598
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 A19003598.
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
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