The Veteran's claims for service connection of a low back disorder and depression were denied, while his claim for an increased evaluation for urticaria with hives and pruritis was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for reopening the previously denied claim for service connection of a low back disorder or warranting an increase in the evaluation for urticaria.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claims were based on his contention that his current conditions are related to his military service, but the Board found insufficient new and material evidence to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection of a low back disorder. The condition of urticaria with hives and pruritis was rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7825.
- Claimed conditions
- depression, low back disorder, urticaria with hives and pruritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 19, 2009
- Citation
- 0918680
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 0918680.
What this means for you
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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 for additional development, including obtaining in-service psychiatric treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder.
- Denied
The Veteran's depression was rated at 50 percent prior to July 1, 2016. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. For TDIU, the Veteran had multiple service-connected disabilities but his education and work experience were sufficient for sedentary or light labor employment.
- Granted
The Veteran's depression was rated at 50 percent prior to September 27, 2017. From September 27, 2017, the rating for depression increased to 70 percent.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for a VA examination and medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's low back disorder and bilateral hip disorder are related to his service-connected Crohn's disease.
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