The veteran's major depression is rated at the highest possible evaluation of 100 percent. The left knee sprain, internal derangement of the left knee, and right knee strain are all rated at the maximum available evaluations of 10 percent each. Migraine headaches with blackouts have been evaluated as 10 percent disabling.
The deciding factor: The veteran's major depression is manifested by total social and industrial impairment, warranting the highest possible evaluation of 100 percent under Diagnostic Code 9434 for Major Depression (DSM-IV). The left knee sprain, internal derangement of the left knee, and right knee strain are all rated at their maximum evaluations due to the severity of symptoms and functional limitations.
- Claimed conditions
- major depression, left knee sprain, internal derangement of left knee, right knee strain, migraine headaches with blackouts
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- January 20, 2004
- Citation
- 0401935
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 0401935.
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 granted service connection for left knee strain, right knee strain, right wrist strain, and TBI. The Veteran's PTSD rating was remanded for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hip and knee disabilities, as well as a TDIU claim, to ensure adequate VA examinations are conducted.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for left hip iliopsoas tendonitis, right knee strain, and left knee strain as secondary to lumbosacral strain. Service connection was also granted for cannabis use disorder as secondary to mental health conditions of PTSD, major depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder, and TBI. However, the Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and granted a separate disability rating of 40 percent for TBI.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for major depression, personality disorder, and severe anxiety due to an inadequate VA examination and opinion.
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