The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 60 percent from October 18, 2016, and TDIU and SMC were granted from November 21, 2021.
The deciding factor: The decision was based on the evidence of IVDS with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months, which met the criteria for a 60 percent rating. TDIU and SMC were granted due to the Veteran's unemployability and additional service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back degenerative joint and disc disease with Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 20, 2025
- Citation
- 25014218
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