The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as her service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria and the preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that they are severe enough to prevent her from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected lumbar myofascial syndrome and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU, and the preponderance of the evidence was against a finding that they were severe enough to prevent her from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar myofascial syndrome, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic and femoral nerves
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 6, 2021
- Citation
- 21027804
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 21027804.
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: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, or adaptive equipment only due to his remaining functional use of his feet.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted the Veteran's claim for an allowance for an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran due to his service-connected disabilities that have resulted in the effective loss or permanent loss of use in both lower extremities.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for eligibility for specially adapted housing is granted due to his service-connected disabilities affecting the function of balance and propulsion, precluding locomotion.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy render him so helpless as to need regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
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.