The Veteran's mechanical low back pain with degenerative changes is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations.,For his depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, a disability rating of 50 percent has been granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on the severity and duration of his back pain or depression. The range of motion in his low back was within acceptable limits, and his depressive disorder did not cause significant occupational impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Mechanical low back pain with degenerative changes, Depressive disorder, not otherwise specified
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- September 18, 2017
- Citation
- 1740324
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 1740324.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for depressive disorder and chronic insomnia was granted, with the effective date being November 1, 1999.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for depressive disorder, TBI, headaches, right knee disorder, right shoulder condition, and neck pain are denied as they have already been addressed in his grant of service connection for PTSD.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and his TDIU claim is granted. However, the rating for PTSD remains at 70 percent.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder do not prevent her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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