The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for TDIU based on his combined disability rating of 50%.
The deciding factor: The Veteran has multiple service-connected conditions including lumbar spine strain/sprain with degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. His combined disability rating is 50%, which meets the percentage requirements for TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a).
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine strain/sprain with degenerative disc disease, r radiculopathy of the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- October 13, 2021
- Citation
- 21063311
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 21063311.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted earlier effective dates of December 19, 2016 for service connection of radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and special monthly compensation were dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims as he died during their pendency.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, as well as his claim for TDIU, are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports and incomplete records.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion regarding the Veteran's left leg condition, including radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA examination to provide an addendum opinion on the nature and etiology of his left leg condition.
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.