The Board has granted service connection for a lower back disability and assigned an initial rating of 50 percent. The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at the highest possible level (70 percent). Ratings higher than 20 percent, 10 percent, or 10 percent are denied for fibromyalgia, patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, and patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee respectively.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lower back disability is service-connected due to a documented in-service injury with continuity of symptoms. The major depressive disorder meets the criteria for a 70 percent rating based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, as evidenced by flattened affect, panic attacks more than once a week, and difficulty understanding complex commands. Ratings higher than 20 percent are denied for fibromyalgia, patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, and patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee due to lack of evidence of refractory symptoms or other factors warranting higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- lower back disability, major depressive disorder, fibromyalgia, patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- January 26, 2011
- Citation
- 1103384
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 1103384.
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 claim for service connection for migraines was reopened due to new evidence. Service connection is granted for painful scars, but the rating assigned remains at 10 percent. The claims for fibromyalgia and bilateral shoulder disability are denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for specially-adapted housing assistance and a special home adaptation grant was denied because he does not meet the criteria for either benefit based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
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