The Veteran's major depressive disorder was rated at 50% from October 21, 2003 to August 14, 2007 and at 30% since then. The Veteran's degenerative changes with herniation at L1-2 and mild spondylosis at the thoracolumbar junction were rated at 20% from October 21, 2003 to August 14, 2007 and at 10% since then. The Veteran's degenerative changes of the right knee with history of chondromalacia and prepatellar bursitis were rated at 10%.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's major depressive disorder was manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, while his degenerative changes with herniation at L1-2 and mild spondylosis at the thoracolumbar junction and right knee disability did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder, Degenerative Changes with Herniation at L1-2 and Mild Spondylosis at the Thoracolumbar Junction, Degenerative Changes of the Right Knee with History of Chondromalacia and Prepatellar Bursitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- June 16, 2009
- Citation
- 0922549
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 0922549.
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.
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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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