The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral degenerative disc and joint disease. The Veteran is now entitled to de novo review of his claim, which the Board finds in favor of him as he has presented evidence that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating his claim. Additionally, the Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder (PTSD), was remanded due to the need for a VA examination.
The deciding factor: The Veteran submitted new and material evidence sufficient to reopen his claims and provided credible testimony regarding his in-service and post-service symptoms of back pain and mental health issues. The Board finds that service connection is warranted for lumbosacral degenerative disc and joint disease, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral degenerative disc and joint disease, depression, anxiety
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 16, 2015
- Citation
- 1525625
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 1525625.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining in-service psychiatric treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder.
- Denied
The Veteran's depression was rated at 50 percent prior to July 1, 2016. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. For TDIU, the Veteran had multiple service-connected disabilities but his education and work experience were sufficient for sedentary or light labor employment.
- Granted
The Veteran's depression was rated at 50 percent prior to September 27, 2017. From September 27, 2017, the rating for depression increased to 70 percent.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The issues related to service connection for various conditions and disability ratings.
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