Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to his inability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's combined disability rating did not reach the 70% threshold required by VA regulations for TDIU, as his conditions did not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

Claimed conditions
lumbosacral sprain, pseudofolliculitis barbae, left lower extremity radiculopathy, acquired psychiatric disorder (MDD with cannabis use disorder)
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
70%
Decision date
March 10, 2023
Citation
23014705

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 23014705.

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

Related decisions

Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.

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.