The veteran meets the eligibility requirements for non-service-connected disability pension due to permanent and total disability from non-service-connected disabilities, not due to willful misconduct. The combined rating of his conditions (depression, arthritis of hands, C6 nerve root dysfunction, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome) meet the criteria for a 70% disability rating.
The deciding factor: The veteran's depression is rated at 70%, and he has additional non-service-connected disabilities that combine to reach a total rating of 70%. The combined effect of these conditions renders him unemployable, meeting the requirements for permanent and total disability for pension purposes.
- Claimed conditions
- Depression, Arthritis of hands, C6 nerve root dysfunction, Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- May 27, 2008
- Citation
- 0817386
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 0817386.
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 Board has remanded the case due to insufficient findings regarding PTSD and depression, requiring a new VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to errors in the AOJ's handling of the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder, and depression. The AOJ is required to verify the Veteran's claimed stressor and obtain medical opinions regarding the diagnoses and their relation to service.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, and Depression as these conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's active military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's lay statements and medical records are considered in determining whether there is a nexus between current symptoms and service.
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