The Veteran's service-connected DDD of the lumbar spine, bilateral pes planus, alopecia areata and seborrheic dermatitis have been found to be etiologically related to his depressive disorder with anxiety. DJD of the bilateral feet is also linked to his service-connected bilateral pes planus. Right peroneal nerve radiculopathy has been determined to be associated with his lumbar spine condition.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's psychiatric condition, including depression and anxiety, is found to be secondary to his service-connected DDD of the lumbar spine, bilateral pes planus, alopecia areata and seborrheic dermatitis. DJD of the bilateral feet has been linked to his service-connected bilateral pes planus. Right peroneal nerve radiculopathy has been determined to be associated with his lumbar spine condition.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive disorder with anxiety, DJD (arthritis) of the bilateral feet, Right peroneal nerve condition
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- August 1, 2017
- Citation
- 1730462
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 1730462.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 70 percent initial disability rating for depressive disorder with anxiety and service connection for insomnia, while denying service connection for OSA and plantar fascitis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded the Veteran's eligibility for enrollment in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers because the initial VA decision was conclusory and based on an incorrect interpretation of regulatory requirements for 'need for supervision, protection, or instruction.' A new medical opinion must be obtained that properly applies the correct statutory criteria and addresses how the Veteran's diagnoses affect daily functioning.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an initial increased rating of 100 percent for depressive disorder with anxiety and a 50 percent rating for migraines, while denying increased ratings for rhinitis and sleep apnea. The appeal was dismissed for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and right lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Granted
The Veteran's depressive disorder with anxiety has been granted a 70 percent disability evaluation effective April 28, 2008. The appeal is granted for this period.
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