The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was rated at 50 percent prior to April 4, 2014 and granted a rating of 70 percent. The back disorder was rated at 10 percent prior to May 5, 2015 and granted a rating of 20 percent. Right lower extremity radiculopathy was rated as noncompensable prior to May 5, 2015 and granted a rating of 20 percent. Hemorrhoids were rated as noncompensable prior to July 7, 2015 and granted a compensable rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's psychiatric disorder was characterized by occupational and social deficiencies in most areas, warranting the highest available rating under Diagnostic Code 9411.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic-stress disorder (PTSD), Major depressive disorder, Back disorder, Right lower extremity radiculopathy, Hemorrhoids
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- December 8, 2017
- Citation
- 1756961
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 1756961.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder does not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or confined to his home, thus SMC based on housebound status and/or need for regular aid and attendance is denied.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, as secondary to his already service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of his hemorrhoids, so the case is dismissed.
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