The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected low back disability warrants a rating of 50 percent since April 7, 2004. The veteran's major depression is rated at 70 percent effective August 15, 2001.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows moderate sciatic peripheral neuropathy and severe limitation of motion or severe lumbosacral strain for the low back disability since April 7, 2004. For major depression, the veteran's symptoms have not met criteria for total occupational and social impairment as of August 15, 2001.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back injury, Major depression
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- June 15, 2005
- Citation
- 0516261
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 0516261.
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 the Veteran's claim for service connection for major depression, finding that it is related to events of service. The evidence received since the prior denial supports this determination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim will be reconsidered with a new medical opinion.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 70 percent for major depression and anxiety disorder with insomnia is denied. The appeal for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is dismissed as moot. The service connection claim for a neck disability is remanded due to a duty to assist error.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date, a higher disability rating, and TDIU have all been denied. The Board found that the current effective date is appropriate and that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating or TDIU.
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.