The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, and denied her increased rating claims for cervical spine degenerative changes with history of strain, early degenerative changes at L5-S1, right shoulder disorder (tendinitis/bursitis), and S/P cholecystectomy with irritable bowel syndrome.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's depression was not shown during service or thereafter, and there is no competent evidence linking the disorder to service or a service-connected disability. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for cervical spine degenerative changes were not met, as the range of motion did not meet the criteria for unfavorable ankylosis. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for early degenerative changes at L5-S1 were not met, as there was no evidence of forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less. The right shoulder disorder had a limitation of arm motion to shoulder level, which did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent. The S/P cholecystectomy with irritable bowel syndrome did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Depression, Psychiatric Disorder (to include Depression)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 4, 2010
- Citation
- 1000010
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 1000010.
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 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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