The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since October 2007, and his low back disability has been rated at 40 percent since February 3, 2003. Both conditions have been granted effective from January 24, 2007.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's major depressive disorder was found to be manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as depressed mood; anxiety; mild memory loss; chronic sleep impairment; disturbances of motivation and mood; panic attacks that occur weekly or less often; difficulty concentrating; intermittent suicidal ideations without plan or intent; difficulties establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships; and GAF scores ranging from 50 to 61. His low back disability was found to more nearly approximate a finding of pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with persistent symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy, but ankylosis of the lumbar spine or more than moderate neurologic impairment have not been shown.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder, Herniated Disc of the Lumbar Spine (Low Back Disability)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- August 11, 2016
- Citation
- 1632040
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 1632040.
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 major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a 70 percent disability rating for his psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with MDD and anxiety, has been granted. However, the issue of entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is remanded due to procedural issues.
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