The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis and IVDS of the lumbar spine, left shoulder disability, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since April 27, 2023. Effective as of that date, he is granted a TDIU and SMC based on aid and attendance.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar spine disability with associated bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since April 27, 2023.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Arthritis and IVDS, Lumbar Spine, Left Shoulder Disability, Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy (Sciatic Nerve), Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy (Sciatic Nerve), Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy (Femoral Nerve), Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy (Femoral Nerve), Lumbar Spine Scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 80%
- Decision date
- November 19, 2024
- Citation
- A24076073
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 A24076073.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities are remanded. The claim for sleep disorder (claimed as sleep apnea) remains denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an effective date before April 1, 2018 for a 20% rating for left shoulder disability was denied. The appeal also resulted in the assignment of a 20% rating from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2018, and a TDIU granted from April 1, 2018 to September 3, 2025.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities, finding insufficient evidence to establish an in-service event or injury related to his shoulders. The Veteran's current shoulder conditions are not linked to his military service.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an extension of a temporary total rating for his left shoulder disability, finding that he did not require convalescence beyond August 31, 2011 following his surgery.
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