The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU rating were denied. The Veteran was service-connected for DDD of the lumbosacral spine, depressive disorder, sleep apnea, chronic maxillary sinusitis, and erectile dysfunction.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found that the Veteran did not have incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The depression was rated based on its severity and impact on employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the lumbosacral spine with a history of posterior wedging at T9, T10, and T11, Depressive Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- June 11, 2012
- Citation
- 1220334
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 1220334.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed as the claim was granted and effective from February 22, 2023.
- Granted
The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder, is rated at 70 percent effective from August 3, 2021. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected Depressive Disorder is causing him to require regular assistance in keeping himself clean and presentable, which may qualify him for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance. The case is being remanded to schedule a VA examination to assess this issue.
- Granted
The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of service connection (January 23, 2020), due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
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