The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for Major Depressive Disorder was denied, and he was granted a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU). The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to his MDD, but determined that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms of depression were rated at 50 percent under Diagnostic Code 9434, which is the highest rating available for Major Depressive Disorder. The Board found that he did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to his MDD because his impairment was moderate and did not render him unable to secure or maintain substantial employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder, Degenerative Changes of the Lumbar Spine, Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 15, 2018
- Citation
- 18102586
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 18102586.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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