The Veteran's depressive disorder and scarring of the chin and left mandibular were granted increased ratings, with the depression rating being set at 70 percent effective June 2, 2014. The service connection for lumbar spine disorder was reopened based on new evidence showing continuous back pain since service separation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's depressive disorder met the criteria for a 70% disability rating under Diagnostic Code 9434 due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, effective June 2, 2014. The scarring of the chin and left mandibular was rated at 30 percent based on its characteristics of disfigurement.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Disorder, Scarring of the Chin and Left Mandibular
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- February 8, 2018
- Citation
- 1808165
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 1808165.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed as the claim was granted and effective from February 22, 2023.
- Granted
The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder, is rated at 70 percent effective from August 3, 2021. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected Depressive Disorder is causing him to require regular assistance in keeping himself clean and presentable, which may qualify him for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance. The case is being remanded to schedule a VA examination to assess this issue.
- Granted
The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of service connection (January 23, 2020), due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
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