The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for a posterior trunk scar was dismissed. A 40 percent disability rating for his thoracolumbar spine disability is granted, effective September 30, 2018, and TDIU is granted beginning April 16, 2003.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability was rated based on its current severity since September 30, 2018, with a 40 percent rating due to severe intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with recurring attacks. The TDIU was granted as the service-connected disabilities were found to be of sufficient severity to preclude obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment beginning April 16, 2003.
- Claimed conditions
- Posterior trunk scar, Thoracolumbar spine disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 6, 2020
- Citation
- 20010297
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 20010297.
What this means for you
A dismissal means the Board did not decide the issue on its merits — usually because it was withdrawn or had become moot. It says more about procedure than about whether a claim like this can win.
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 Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating of his cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, left shoulder, right shoulder, upper extremity neurological, and lower extremity neurological disabilities due to inadequate VA medical examinations in March 2019 and January-May 2016. The new examinations must consider the Veteran's reported onset dates for his symptoms.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, which is granted based on the evidence provided.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for thoracolumbar spine disability and left hip disability due to inadequate medical opinions in the original decision. The claims will be reconsidered with new medical opinions.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates and increased ratings have been withdrawn. The Board has dismissed all related claims.
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