The veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, and he is granted TDIU. His degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine does not warrant a higher initial rating.
The deciding factor: The veteran's symptoms of depression have been found to meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 9434 due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. His degenerative arthritis does not warrant a higher initial rating as there is no limitation of motion that meets the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder, Degenerative Arthritis, Lumbar Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- June 30, 2008
- Citation
- 0821356
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 0821356.
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 Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a 70 percent disability rating for his psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with MDD and anxiety, has been granted. However, the issue of entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is remanded due to procedural issues.
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