The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lower back disability and dysthymic disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional loss or neurological impairment, and concluded that the current 20 percent rating for the lower back disability was appropriate.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show sufficient functional loss to warrant a higher rating for the lower back disability, nor did it demonstrate any neurological manifestations. The dysthymic disorder caused occupational and social impairment but not to an extent that warranted a higher rating under the criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- lower back disability, dysthymic disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 30, 2009
- Citation
- 0945340
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 0945340.
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 determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to reconsider the Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip, left knee, right hip, and lower back disabilities. The claim for left hip disability is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left knee and lower back disabilities due to incomplete information about the Veteran's duty status during his periods of active service in the National Guard and Reserves.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lower back disability, finding that it is etiologically related to his in-service duties of lifting heavy equipment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lower back disability, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, CFS, and PTSD due to lack of a current diagnosis. The appeal is now remanded for further development.
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