The claim for service connection for major depressive disorder was reopened, but the appeal for a higher initial rate of special monthly compensation due to the loss of use of a creative organ was denied as a matter of law.
The deciding factor: The evidence submitted since the July 1975 severance is new and material, thus reopening the claim for service connection for major depressive disorder. However, there is no legal basis for an increase in SMC due to loss of use of a creative organ.
- Claimed conditions
- coronary artery disease, erectile dysfunction, major depressive disorder, hypertensive heart disease
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 23, 2008
- Citation
- 0817021
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The appeal for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss, service connection for right ear hearing loss, and bilateral vision condition was dismissed. Service connection for hypertension, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease was denied.
- Dismissed
The claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for major depressive disorder is dismissed as moot because the earliest effective date was granted during the pendency of this appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction due to an inadequate VA opinion regarding its etiology.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, and various musculoskeletal and skin disabilities.
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