The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to her ability to work full-time despite her conditions.
The deciding factor: The Veteran is currently employed and has been working full-time, which precludes a finding that she is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation by reason of her service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- herniated nucleus pulposus, paresthesia, left hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 13, 2020
- Citation
- 20011845
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20011845.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's need for the regular aid and attendance of another person was determined due to his service-connected disabilities, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance for accrued benefits purposes.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded all issues for further development and examination. The Veteran's claims involve various ratings for service-connected disabilities related to the lumbar spine, lower extremities, and knees.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbosacral degenerative joint disease and herniated nucleus pulposus (lumbar spine disorder) was denied as the disability does not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a rating greater than 20 percent.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus, degenerative joint disease, herniated nucleus pulposus, unspecified depressive disorder, cervical radiculopathies, and metatarsophalangeal joint fusion, render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
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